Marilyn Fern Smith, 85, of Greenville, died on Friday April 14, 2023, at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, peacefully with her family by her side.
A graveside service for Marilyn and Harry Smith will be held at 11 am., on Saturday, June 3, at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Greenville. A Celebration of Life, will follow at 12:30 p.m., at the First Christian Church Family Life Center, located at 1100 Killarney Drive in Greenville. Assalley-Young Funeral Home in Greenville is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mrs. Smith was born on Oct. 23, 1937, the youngest daughter of Fern and Ethel (Jennings) Childers. She married James “Jim” Ridings and they had two sons. The couple later divorced, and he preceded her in death on May 21, 2022. She then married David Langel and together they had a son. The couple later divorced and he preceded her in death on July 13, 1995. She later married Harry Smith on May 11, 1991, in Las Vegas, NV, and he preceded her in death.
Mrs. Smith grew up in Bethalto, until her teen years when the family bought a farm in rural Greenville near Donnellson. She attended nursing school earning her pin as an LPN. Mrs. Smith loved spending time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She took great pride in rooting for them in life and during their sporting events, sometimes a little too loudly. Her ability to cook and bake was enjoyed by many, especially her amazing potato salad.
Mrs. Smith is survived by her children, James Ridings, Brent (Kim Cruse) Langel of Donnellson; step-children, Kathi (Dan) Barnett of Pottsboro, TX, Pam (Tim) Neary of McKinney, TX, and Andy (Dorie Fornero) Smith of Mercer, WI; former step-daughters, Debra (Joe) Runge of Cape Girardeau, MO, and Tina Patterson of Stanton, MO; grandchildren, Travis, Rachel, Megan, Lucas, Adam, Richie, Kayla, Amanda, Emily, Jimmy, Zach, Mindy, Dustin, Drew and Zachary; 20 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Richard Ridings; son-in-law, Gary Patterson; and sisters, Janet Williams and Norma Jean Tappy; brother-in-laws, Jack Williams and George Tappy.
Memorials may be directed to the Bond County Senior Center, 1001 E. Harris Ave., Greenville, IL 62246 or the Bond County Humane Society, 2510 S. Elm St., Greenville, IL 62246. Condolences may be left online at www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com.