Reta Jane Smith

Madison - Reta Jane (LeClaire) Smith, age 90, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at Capital Lakes Terraces in Madison.

She was born on July 23, 1920, in Tripoli, Wisconsin, the daughter of Clara Josephine Peterson and Arthur Julius LeClaire. She attended school in Tomahawk, WI and graduated from Rhinelander High School. Reta received her Registered Nursing (RN) degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Nursing in 1943. Reta married Robert G. (R.G. ""Lefty"") Smith on April 6, 1943. She was a long-time member (1945) of First Congregational Church in Madison and was a founder of the First Congregational Church Day Care Center. She served as Nurse for the United States Embassy in San Salvador, El Salvador from 1978-1980. She was a member of the University of Wisconsin Nursing Alumni Association, Daughters of the Nile, Nakoma Country Club and Elks Club. Reta enjoyed spending time at the cottage 'up north"", playing bridge and listening to the many genres of music her son, Greg, performs.

Reta is survived by her brother, Philip LeClaire of Milwaukee; her three children, Barbara Smart of Madison, Gregory (Anna Purnell) Smith of Madison and Jenifer (Scott) Taylor of Anchorage, Alaska; grandchildren, Scott (Blanca Ramos) Smart, Shannon (Christopher) Rasmussen, Travis Taylor, Sarah Smith, Emily Taylor, Carson Smith, John Purnell Jr. and Katie Purnell; great grandchildren, Luis Rasmussen, Savannah Smart, Sabrina Carrion and Ethan Ramos.

Reta was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, R.G. ""Lefty"" Smith, and infant daughter, Linda Marie.

A private graveside service was held Friday, July 1, 2011 at Mount Hope Cemetery in Brooklyn, Wisconsin.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Capital Lakes Terrace for the very gentle and loving care of our mother and our family. Donations in Reta's memory may be made to the Skott Cooper Historical Suite School of Nursing Building Fund, US Bank Lockbox 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278; to the Capitol City Band, PO Box 258007, Madison, WI 53725-8007; or to the charity of your choice. Reta's welcoming smile, gentle manner and listening ear will be missed by all.