Wilda Smith

Wilda Louise (Fuller) Smith, age 87, passed away peacefully at her home with her daughters at her side on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at 4:50 A.M. She was born to the late Herman and Clara (Rindfleisch) Fuller on July 8, 1929 in Peoria. She married Perry A. Smith on December 16, 1949 in Peoria, and they celebrated 60 years of marriage before his passing on June 27, 2009. Wilda was also preceded in death by her son, Eddy A. Smith; grandson, Joey A. Neltner; brother, Glen Fuller; sister, Helen (Frank) Jones; sister-in-law, Alicemarie Fuller; and two brothers-in-law, Frank Jones and Wayne Wilson. She is survived by her daughters, Patty K. Smith and Kathy Smith, both of Peoria; grandchildren, Amy (Brian) Groeper of Brimfield, Corey (Tracey) Sebens of Peoria, and Sheila (David) Etnier of Mossville; great-grandchildren, Nick Groeper of Okinawa, Japan, Isaiah Groeper and Luke Groeper, both of Brimfield, Ashlei (Kiefer) Fiorentino of Peoria, Aaron Thomas of Peoria, Austin Neltner of Peoria, and Shyann, Skye, and Cam Etnier, all of Mossville; brothers, Robert (Liz) Fuller and Larry (Connie) Fuller, both of Peoria; and sister, Thelma Wilson of Canton. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews, Gidget her beloved dog, and her six rescued cats, Peaches, Peanut, Angel, Lucky, Dolly and Milo. Wilda retired from Caterpillar some years ago, last working at the Morton factory. Wilda enjoyed roller skating in her earlier years and also gave lessons to children at Fernwood. She enjoyed dancing with her husband, fishing in Chetek, Wisconsin on family vacations, cooking and baking, was well known for her homemade pies and her divinity, playing Bingo, enjoyed dancing with Vicki Mitchell to any country music, and became an avid Cub fan after retiring. A funeral service for Wilda will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 2020 W. Malone St. in Peoria, at 12:00 PM on Friday, January 13, 2017. Pastor Karl Eckhoff will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial donations in honor of Wilda may be made to PAWS. After losing her husband whom she spoiled with her nurturing ways, she spent the remainder of her life feeding, doctoring, and caring for the stray cats in her neighborhood. This became her way of life and held a special place in her heart. Wilda's online memorial website may be viewed at www.cumerford.com

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