Wilma Carol Smith

Wilma Carol Smith, 85, of Davenport, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2015. Following cremation, a Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at Newcomb Presbyterian Church, Davenport. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Newcomb Presbyterian Church, German American Heritage Center or a charity of the donor’s choice. Private inurnment will be in Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com.

Wilma was born in Fairhaven Township, IL, a daughter of Rufus Adam and Clara Lucille (Friederich) Kahler. She was united in marriage to Robert James Smith on April 4, 1950 in Morrison, IL; he preceded her in death in 1986. She graduated from Marycrest in 1963 with a degree in elementary education and later earned her master’s degree in environmental education from Western Illinois University. She taught for the Davenport Community School District for 32 years prior to her retirement. Her memberships included: Newcomb Presbyterian Church, Scott County Genealogical Society, Friends of Vander Veer Park and German American Heritage Center. She was a master gardener, a Red Cross volunteer, and a world traveler. She studied her family’s history through genealogy with great passion.

Those left to honor her memory include her children: Kristine (Lyle) Kammer; Carol (Larry) Johnston; Sandra Smith-Henzen and Kathy (Steven) Loose, all of Davenport; ten grandchildren: Carrie Kammer, Traci Kammer, Bryan (Jenni) Kammer, Julie (Jason) Kratt, Michele (Dan) Krum, Kelly (Mike) Chavez, Jeremy Smith, Jennifer (John) Van Hyfte, Rachael Loose and Katherine Loose, twelve great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and siblings: Lois Lanier; Janice Parrino; DeWayne Kahler; Mavis Guidice; Diana Brown and Merlyn Kahler and numerous nieces and nephews. Also left to honor her memories are her friends from Newcomb Church, Red Hat’s Society, Mermaids, Hy-Vee and many others.

In addition to her husband, Wilma was preceded in death by sisters, Lila Miatke, Elaine Castaneda and Thelma Ford, brothers, Gerald Kahler, Arlon Kahler and Loren Kahler and son-in-law, Bob Henzen.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House for their dedicated and loving care.