Margaret Lavina Giffin Smith, 92, of Petersburg formerly of Rochester, passed away on Friday, February 17, 2017 surrounded by her family at Sunny Acres Nursing Home in Petersburg.

Margaret was born on March 18, 1925 in Kansas the daughter of Luther and Peggy Giffin.  She married Earl Lewis Smith on October 24, 1942 and they were together for 72 ½ years before his death in May 2015.

She graduated from Harris High School in Petersburg. Margaret was quite the seamstress and sewed wedding dresses for her daughters, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters, along with prom dress along the way.  She crocheted afghans for everyone that wanted one and we have those treasures to remind us of her love stitched in to each one.  She always made sure everyone was fed well when the family gathered for any occasion.  She was an inspiration to us all with her loving care, she showered on us all.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Morris Giffin; and son, David Smith.

She is survived by her son Dennis (Linda) of Jefferson City, MO, Carol (Steve) Miller of Sherman, and Jan (Hal) Bast of Springfield.  Also leaving to cherish her memories are nine grandchildren, Craig Smith, Kerri Less, Kim Clementich, Terri Stocker, Doug Rapp, Jerod Bast, Jenni Durbin, CJ Smith and Dalton Riley, along with twenty-seven great-grandchildren.

Cremation has been accorded.  Per her request there will be no services, other than a graveside service at Camp Butler National Cemetery where she and Earl will be interred together at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 4400 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 or to Sunny Acres Nursing Home Staff Appreciation, 19130 Sunny Acres Rd., Petersburg, IL 62675.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Sunny Acres for giving “Mom” such loving and tender care during her stay with them.

 Service Information