Wilma Smith

Wilma "Billie" Alice Smith, 88, Menomonee Falls, died Saturday, June 27, 2009, under the care of Hospice Services Linden Grove Health Care Center, Menomonee Falls with her family at her side. She was born July 13, 1920, in Tomahawk, the daughter of the late William and Grace (Schreiber) Cook. On July 17, 1942, Billie was united in marriage to the late Atty. John E. Smith, Sr. at Fort Lewis Army Base, Washington State while he was stationed there during World War II. He preceded her in death on May 3, 1979. Billie lived most of her life in Tomahawk and only left the area to be with her children many years after the death of her husband. She graduated from Tomahawk High School. Billie was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Tomahawk. As a young woman, she was an avid snow skier as well as having a passion for flying. Billie was the first woman to land an airplane in Lincoln County. As a true "rock hound" she loved her trips around Lake Superior in search of agates and other semi-precious stones. She loved playing bridge with her husband and friends. In the late 1960's, she owned and operated BJ's Gold Mine gift and grocery store North of Tomahawk on County A. Billie also worked at the IGA Super Market and the Gift Box in Tomahawk as well as working at the Lincoln County Court House for her husband, John, while he was Lincoln County Corporation Councel. In her later years, Billie loved to travel with and be with her family. She will be dearly missed. Survivors include one brother, Gerald (Joan) Cook, Tomahawk, daughters Loxie Kahn, San Diego and Marlene (Dave) Washebek, Delafield, sons John E. (Marcia) Smith, Jr., Menomonee Falls, and William (Shirley) Smith, Wausau, 9 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 noon Thursday, July 2, 2009 with the funeral service to follow at Krueger & Sons Funeral Home, Tomahawk. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Tomahawk. . In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Memorial Foundation, c/o John E. Smith, N78W16398 Carl Ross Drive, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051-4258.