Barbara Ann (Doty) Smith (81) of St. Elmo

Barbara Ann (Doty) Smith, 81, of St. Elmo, Illinois, passed away at home on May 12, 2024, with her husband and daughters by her side.

Barbara was born to Sidney and Roberta (Rogers) Doty in Effingham, IL, on April 4, 1943. Barbara grew up with her older brother Bob near Wright’s Corner north of St. Elmo. When Bob started first grade at Wright’s Corner School, Barbara—even though she was just four years old—insisted on tagging along. She later attended St. Elmo Junior High and High School, graduating in 1960. On March 2, 1962, Barbara married her high school sweetheart, R. Neil Smith, and they were married for 62 years. Always known for being a hard worker, Barbara helped her husband build a house north of St. Elmo where they raised their three children. She held various jobs throughout her life, with the majority of her career spent as a real estate broker. After retirement, Barbara poured her love of animals into volunteer work at the Effingham County Humane Society. She also pursued her interest in developing her artistic talent and discovered her love of oil painting, particularly landscapes. Among her favorite things in life were family, pets, books, painting, babies, and decorating for Christmas. Barbara’s ultimate pride and joy, however, were her granddaughters.

Barbara is survived by her husband and two daughters, Cathy (Curt) Strange of Freelandville, IN, and Nancy Mills (Larry Worman) of Effingham; daughter-in-law Shannon Smith of Shelbyville; former son-in-law Mark Mills of St. Elmo; special sister-in-law Joyce (Jim) Morgan of Taylorville; and sister-in-law Nancy Doty of Carbondale. She also leaves four amazing granddaughters: Heather Mills, Lindsey Mills, Cassidy Strange, and Ashton Smith.

Barbara was preceded in death by her son, Michael N. Smith, in January 2023.

Barbara is also survived by her faithful canine companion, Anna, the last of many dogs she cherished throughout her life.

In addition to her son, Barbara was predeceased by her parents and brother, Robert Doty.

Graveside service and interment of ashes will be held in Maplewood Cemetery in St. Elmo on Saturday, May 18 at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Effingham County Humane Society or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be expressed by clicking here.  The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the wonderful nurses at HSHS Illinois Home Care for the kindness and care shown to Barbara during her illness.