Maria A. Smith

The Joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10)

Maria A. Smith age 98 passed away on Monday, April 20th, 2026 in Ft. Collins, CO.

Maria and her husband Rev. LaVern Smith served Immanuel UCC in Edwardsville, IL for nine years before coming to St. Peter’s UCC in Frankfort where they ministered together for 21 years.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband Rev. LaVern Smith, son, Paul Smith, parents, Friedrich & Natalia Stricker, brother, Jacob (Louise) Stricker, niece, Angelica Stricker, brother, Tino (Loni) Stricker, grandchildren, Michelle Case and Dean LaBarbera.

Maria is survived by her sister Katharina Wolf, nephews, Christian (Helga) Wolf, Alfred (Anita) Wolf, nieces, Silvia (Andreas) Maier, Cornelia (Alfons) Weber, Lydia (Dieter) Munzger, Eleonore (Christoph) Hanrieder, Roland (Claudia) Stricker, Sieglinda Mootz, Manfred (Uschi) Stricker all from Germany.

Maria is survived by her children, Ann Burroughs of Ft. Collins, CO, Harry Smith of Ft. Collins, CO, John (Ginger) Smith of Morris, IL and Linda (Richard) Case of Castle Rock, CO.

Maria is survived by her grandchildren, Matt (Lindsey) Burroughs, Sam (Lauren) Smith, Simon (Nicole Putney) Smith, Seth Smith, Stephanie Farley, Connor Wilson, Kathyrn Smith, Christina (Mark) Seibols, Peter (Shara) Case and Dali LaBarbera.

Maria is survived by her great grandchildren, Sara Burroughs, Maya Burroughs, Dylan Stapleton, Evelyn Hanson, Sawyer Hanson, Josephyne Hanson, Mason Wynd, Brendon Wynd, Ivie Ridenour, Nicole Siebols, Rachel Siebols, Riley Siebols, Eden Smith and Adalynn Smith.

Maria is survived by her great-great grandchildren, River Harrell and Maverick Ridenour.

Family will receive friends at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 12 W. Sauk Trail, Frankfort, IL 60423 on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 from 10:00 AM until time of the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment, Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Frankfort, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Peter’s United Church of Christ would be greatly appreciated.