Elza L. (Smitty) Smith

Marion Elza L. Smitty Smith, 77, passed away on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 12:15 A.M. at Parkway Manor. Smitty was born February 6, 1930 the son of John Henry and Bertha (Spitzner) Smith in Johnston City. He married Mary Rita Simmons on December 31, 1949 in Marion and together they shared over 53 years of marriage until her death on May 26, 2003. Smitty retired as office manager for Southern Illinois Stone Company in Buncombe and prior to that he had worked at Sangamo Electric. He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ of Marion and lifetime member of Masonic Fellowship Lodge #89 A.F. & A.M. of Marion. He was involved with Zion United Cub Pack #21 for several years and a council member of Zion United Church of Christ. Survivors include: Son Richard Smith and wife Deana of Marion Daughter Tresa Garoutte and husband Frank of the Lake of Egypt Grandson Brian Scott Garoutte of the Lake of Egypt Granddaughter Amanda Mae Smith of Marion Granddaughter Nichole Leigh Garoutte of the Lake of Egypt Aunt Betty Spitzner of Avon Park, FL Brother-in-law Jack Simmons of Carbondale Brother-in-law Robert Joe Simmons and wife Gloria of Evansville, IN Several nieces and nephews and cousins Preceded by - Parents, Wife, Uncle Russell Spitzner, Sister-in-laws Irma Hastings and Margaret Simmons. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 11:30 A.M. at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion with Rev. Linda Coulson officiating. Burial will follow in Norman Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. For those who prefer memorials may be made to Norman Cemetery or Zion United Church of Christ. Envelopes will be available at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home.