Elsie Belle Smith, 86, of Casey, IL passed away at 5:38 p.m. on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at Heartland Nursing Center in Casey, IL after a long struggle with Parkinson Disease. Elsie was born March 12, 1931 in Westfield, IL. She was the youngest of nine children to Albert Clarence “A.C.” Goble and Jessie Belle Eldridge Goble.
She grew up and attended school in Westfield, IL were she graduated from Westfield High School in 1949. She loved to reminisce about Westfield and the people. She worked for John Deere in the parts department in Westfield and Casey. She could remember all the part numbers and was known by all the farmers as “John Deere Elsie”. She met Clifford Riley Smith of Casey and they were married on September 17, 1955 by Clifford’s brother, Rev. Hugh Smith in his residence in rural Casey. Clifford’s sister, Loretta met Elsie’s brother, Charlie Goble and they were also married by Rev. Hugh Smith at the family residence in 1954. Elsie quit her job at John Deere in 1960 to join her husband and work on the farm as Clifford took over his family farm east of Casey on Dupont Road. The farm has been in the Smith family over 100 years now.
Clifford and Elsie had three children, Steven Douglas, Thomas Andrew and Chad Albert. Clifford passed away on September 18, 2015 after 60 years and 1 day of marriage to Elsie.
Elsie was always interested in genealogy and family history and she created the Smith and Goble family history books after several years of research. Elsie volunteered at the Casey Township Library to help work on genealogy and family history. Elsie loved to cook and have family over for any occasion. She was known for making the funniest cards and everyone enjoyed getting a card from Elsie. She loved to read, spend time in her flower garden and hunt mushrooms in her woods.
Elsie is survived by sister, Emma Jean Davis of Westfield, IL, sister in law, Loretta Goble of Martinsville, IL, two brothers in law, George Smith of Cridersville, OH and Robert Smith of Urbana, IL, three sons, Steve (Mary Beth) Smith of Casey, IL, Tom (Tami) Smith of Carlinville, IL and Chad (Lori) Smith of Casey, IL, and eight grandchildren, Devin (Zack) Allen, Brogan (Peter) Oswald, Carson Strong, Jackson Smith, Riley (fiancé, Ashley Greger) Smith, Wesley Smith, Avery Smith and Jacob Smith. Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Clifford Smith, five brothers and two sisters.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at the Markwell Funeral Home with Rev. Justin Janney officiating. Burial will follow in the Vernon Addition Cemetery, Casey, IL. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at the Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL 62420.
Memorial donations may be made to American Parkinson Disease Association, Midwest Chapter, Central DuPage Hospital Care Center, 1800 N. Main St., Suite 215, Wheaton, IL 60187-3112 or Casey Township Library 307 E. Main St., Casey, IL 62420
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.