Alice Louise Smith of Herrin

HERRIN - Alice Louise Smith, born Oct. 2, 1926 to Louis and Bella Frick of Chittyville, passed away peacefully in her home in Herrin in the early evening of Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019.

Alice married Claude Smith Jr. on June 23, 1945. Together, they enjoyed snow skiing, traveling, and house boating.

In June of 1946, when the store opened, Alice began working at South Side Lumber as the bookkeeper/head manager, and maintained that position until she retired in 1991. Prior to that, she worked as a clerk at Kroger.

Throughout her life, Alice was involved in many organizations, such as the Red Hatters, Parkinson's Fight Group, Herrin Woman's Club, the Investment Club and was awarded the title of HerrinFesta Corporate Honoree in 2000 for her outstanding involvement with the town and its businesses.

She loved playing dominoes, visiting her home in Florida, hosting home events, both in Herrin and in The Villages, and spending time with her family.

Alice was a pioneer for businesswomen in the southern Illinois area, and remains a cornerstone in her family's business.

She is survived by two of her siblings, Louis Frick and Vera Bares; son, Kent (Terri) Smith; grandchildren, Cecily Smith, Elliott Smith and Brandon Switzer; and many nieces, nephews and other family members.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents and six of her siblings, Harry Bert, Jack Frick, Ed Frick, Velma Boner, Elizabeth Derry and Marie Basler.

Services will begin at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18 at the Southern Illinois Worship Center in Herrin. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. Friday until time of service at the church. Burial will be at the Herrin City Cemetery.

Van Natta Funeral Home in Herrin is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials can be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation, Southern Illinois Worship Center Building Fund, or Herrin Education Foundation College Scholarship.