Mary Lou Smith

Mary Lou was born in Springfield on November 12, 1940, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Yenulis) Aidich. Mary Lou married Ronald Smith in Springfield on February 4, 1961.

Mary Lou graduated as Valedictorian of her class in 1958 from Feitshans High School. She was active in the Springfield Muni Opera and performed with her sisters as a trio in many singing competitions. Mary Lou worked as a lifeguard, a record librarian for WTAX, and an executive secretary for the Permacel Tape Company in Decatur, Illinois. She attended Illinois State University and was a soloist in the ISU Choir and a member of the Madrigal Singers. Mary Lou completed her bachelor’s degree and graduated with the first graduating class from Sangamon State University. She acquired her real estate license and went on to be a real estate investor, CFO of Zimmer-Smith & Associates, President of the Leaders of the New Millenium Foundation, and an investment manager at Blackwolf II, LLC. A degree was issued to her from the University of Illinois when Sangamon State changed into the U of I.

Mary Lou and Ron belonged to Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield, and Stonebridge Country Club in Naples, Florida, where she was an avid golfer and tennis player. She was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who exuded love and encouragement for her family. Mary Lou was also a philanthropist who gave unselfishly to many local and national needs.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Aidich.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband: Ronald; sons: David (Gina) Smith of San Marcos, TX, and Gregory (Debra) Smith of Wentzville, MO; daughter: Debbie (Ken) Miller of Springfield; sisters: Barbara (Rich) Stamer of Auburn and Diana Metzger of Springfield; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

A private family Memorial Gathering and Memorial Ceremony will be held at Butler Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on July 27 at Panther Creek Country Club from 11 am until 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Smith Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment at https://forwardfunder.siumed.edu/the-smith-center-for-alzheimer-s-research-and-treatment