Pat M. Smith (86) of Effingham formerly of Beecher City

Pat M. Smith, 86 of Effingham, formerly of Beecher City, passed away on May 18, 2023 at the Lutheran Care Center in Altamont surrounded by her loving family. 

Per Pat’s request, there will be a celebration of Pat’s amazing life at a later date for family and friends. Memorials may be given to the Altamont Lutheran Care Center, Beecher City Ruritan Flag Fund, or Beecher City Education Foundation. Arrangements are in the care of Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. 

Pat was born in Beecher City on July 3, 1936, the youngest daughter of Byron G. Little and Leah (Hogge) Little. She graduated as valedictorian of the Beecher City class of 1954.

She married Delmar L. Smith on December 30, 1956 at the home of her parents in Beecher City. Earlier in her life she worked at Hogge’s Hardware and Kirlin’s. She later worked and retired from the Secretary of State as a driver's service employee. 

She served as the first female mayor of Beecher City following in the tradition of her family, W.W. Hogge and Byron G. Little, also mayors of Beecher City. Pat was very active in the community as a member of the Tri-county Ruritans and Effingham County Democratic Party.  She helped form the young democrats as a teenager and later the democratic ladies organization, she was later elected as a precinct committee person. Pat was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and University of Illinois basketball fan. She loved to read, work on puzzles, work on her flowers, and many other activities with her family.  

Pat was an amazing mother, grandma, and GG, and her family meant the world to her. She is survived by her two children, David B. Smith of Portland, OR, and Julie Smith of Effingham. Pat is also survived by her two wonderful grandchildren, Brooke (William) Armstrong of Fort Wayne, IN, and Andrew Sapp of Effingham. She was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Aoife Jule, and Delmar Lee.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Delmar L. Smith; sister, Betty Phillips; brother-in-law, Bob Phillps, and in-laws.