Elaine R. Smith, age 86, of Clintonville, passed away Wednesday morning, August 17, 2016 at the Greentree Health & Rehabilitation Center in Clintonville.
Elaine was born April 4, 1930 in the Town of Deer Creek, Outagamie County as the daughter of the late John and Iva (Ritchie) Rhode. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and after moving with her family attended school in Clintonville. She met Clifford Smith at a soda fountain and the couple were later united in marriage on February 26, 1953 in Waupaca. Elaine had a gift when it came to cooking. This led to many years as a cook at the Marson Hotel, Lake Aire, and Clint-Mar. She then became a seamstress for Donaldson’s Cleaners in Clintonville until her retirement in 2001. In their younger years, Cliff and Elaine loved bowling and playing cards with friends. Cliff preceded his wife in death on August 19, 1989. Elaine was a Christian woman with a strong family background. She loved her children and grandchildren and as a professional cook, always made sure they went home full. When it came to her cooking, a little butter never went a long way. Elaine was not afraid of hard work, loved to spend time in her flower gardens, and enjoyed visiting with friends.
Survivors include: her daughter, Sue (Brent) Rogers, Marion; son, Michael (Carla) Smith, Clintonville; grandchildren: Paul (Jill) Rogers, Clintonville; Angela (Joshua) Marsh, Townsend; Jennifer Rogers, Clintonville; Kelli and Kenzie Smith, Clintonville; great-grandchildren: Jake, Jenna, and Jessica Rogers and Megan and Ashley Grosskruetz; siblings: Rosemary Sasse, Geraldine (Dennis) Kussmann, Therese (Roger) Mauel, John (Laura Lee) Rhode, and Dan Rhode; special nieces, Sandy Finger, Sallie Otto, and Penny Chang. Also numerous other nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Cliff, a son Terry in infancy; and siblings: Jim Rhode, Tom Rhode, Helen Fumelle Eastman, Rita Johnson, Lorraine Long and Jeanne Downham.
Elaine’s memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 6 p.m. at the Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory in Clintonville with Rev. Brian Crocker officiating. Inurnment will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at the Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 p.m. until the time of the service. An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com