Virginia R. Smith

Virginia “Bonnie” (nee Rader) Smith passed away on December 6, 2020 at the age of 98. She was born on September 24, 1922 in Elnora, Indiana to Oscar and Leona (Watson)Rader. She married her college sweetheart, the late Robert Powers Smith in1943. They celebrated 8 years in Hyde Park and 54 years together in Riverdale, IL until his passing in August 2005. She proudly attended and graduated from Purdue University with a B.S. in 1946. She was a life long member of the Purdue Alumni Association. Most of her career was spent at Libby’s Corporation as a Quality Control Specialist. Her sons fondly remember her pumpkin pies. Family above all was most important to her. She had 4 sons; the late Daniel Rader Smith (Kathy), the late William David Smith, Edward Eugene Smith(Judy Czachura) and Dr. Lawrence James Smith (Sheila Stocks-Smith). Her life was highlighted by 5 beautiful grandchildren; Rebekah Smith, Sarah Hawkeswood (Tom), Dannion Smith (Shanon), Justin Stocks-Smith (Kathleen Su) and Lauren Stocks-Smith. Her joy of family continued when she became a great grandmother of 4; Alexander and Oliver Hawkeswood, and Adaline and Eloise Smith. She was preceded in death by siblings, Marie Nugent, Tobe Rader, Owen Rader, Vivian Gatlin, Tim Rader and is survived by her youngest sister Marge Moore. Her 22 nieces and nephews were in her thoughts as they celebrated their birthdays each year with a special card from her. She never forgot family. She enjoyed country music, gardening, sunning on the patio and baking her favorite angel food cake for family reunions back in southern Indiana. She volunteered at South Suburban Hospital for over 25 years. She will be missed by all of her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Joliet Area Community Hospice 250 Water Stone Cir, Joliet, IL 60431. Funeral & Interment are private.