Lela Mae Smith

Smith, Lela Mae

MADISON- Lela Mae Smith, previously of Mauston, age 88, died of natural causes on Tuesday, November 25, 2008, at her home. Lela was born on August 24, 1920, to William and Irene Buckley of Rio, Wisconsin. She was united in marriage to Gerald E. Smith on June 30, 1940, and spent her life raising five children as well as volunteering in her local church and community. Lela and Jerry enjoyed traveling and wintering in the Florida Keys, where she was active in hospital auxiliary, the Red Hat Society, The Garden Club, and her church. Lela enjoyed painting landscapes of Wisconsin and the Florida Keys and was an avid reader. She most enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Lela led a full, active life and will be greatly missed by all who loved her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald, and son, Richard. She is survived by her brothers, Robert (Mildred) Buckley of Salt Lake City, Utah, and William (Lois) Buckley of Lodi, Wisconsin; her five children: Karen (Lyall) Langer of Hillsboro, WI, Karol (Ron) Dowling of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Robert (Patricia) Smith of Fort Collins, Colorado, David (Jane Teasdale) Smith of Verona, Wisconsin, and Gerald (Ellie) Smith of Racine, Wisconsin; thirteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, December 1, 2008, at Divine Savior United Methodist Church, 5702 South Hill Drive, Madison, with a visitation starting at 12:00 PM. A private family graveside service is planned for Hillside Cemetery in Columbus, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin, 13195 W. Hampton Ave., Butler, WI 53007.

Cress Funeral & Cremation service

3610 Speedway Road

Madison, WI 53705

608.238.3434