Virginia Witt Smith

passing December 5th 2019, at the age of 96 years.

Affectionately known to her friends as "Ginny", she was born in Syracuse, Nebraska, to

Ernest and Anna Witt, residing in Syracuse until the completion of her high school

degree. Eager to assist in the war effort, Ginny, like so many young, high spirited,

independent women of the day, was soon recruited and trained as a technical drafter,

relocating first to Seattle Washington and then California.

After the conclusion of WWII, Ginny worked for AT&T and eventually moved to DuQuoin,

Illinois with then husband Frank Hoxie Smith. She gave birth to three children and later

attended Southern Illinois University graduating with a Master's degree In German

Language. She continued to work for Southern Illinois University for some 30 years as the

Chief Operator of the Telephone Exchange, while also becoming a Professor Emeritus

of German Language. Ginny Smith eventually retired to Mesa, Arizona to be near family

members.

Ginny will be lovingly remembered by her brother Dwayne Witt and wife Barbara; her

son Daniel Witt Smith and daughter Suzanne Smith Rawlings. Ginny also leaves behind 6

grandchildren: Alyssa Smith, Lauren Smith, Shannon Smith, Julia Smith, Shaylea Rawlings

Aldridge and Steven Rawlings, and one great grandson, Liam Kyle Aldridge.

Ginny was preceded in death by her brother Norman Witt and her son Hoxie Walter

Smith.

Ginny was loved dearly and she will be truly missed.

I just stopped by to visit life and found it captivating. I did not know, upon my soul, that life was mesmerizing. Before I knew the better, I blissfully chose to stay. And as with any rousing game, I felt enticed to play. I tarried long and played my hand until my all was spent, and then my father gently called and I was heaven sent.

Written by - Suzanne Rawlings