Josephine Smith, 80, of Sparland Illinois, formerly Monticello Kentucky, died on January 4, 2022 at OSF Saint Francis in Peoria.

Born in Monticello, Kentucky to the late Dewey and Laura (Hardwick) Thompson, she married Dallas Smith on July 9, 1956 in Monticello. Dallas survives in Sparland.

Josephine enjoyed gardening, she loved flowers and was known for being a great cook. Dallas and Josephine enjoyed camping in their RV. She was a hard worker and always kept busy. Josephine was easy to talk to and you felt like you had always known her even if you just met. She loved her little dog, Tiny.

Josephine is also survived by her children Stanley (Laurie) Smith of Peoria, Charlene Rebholz of Kewanee, Daniel "Doc" Smith of Sparland; grandchildren Alissa Smith of Peoria, Chandra (Louis) Rigo of Eureka, Travis (Holly) Wolf of Germantown Hills, Rosalyn Rebholz of Kewanee; and nine great grandchildren. Josephine was also preceded in death by her two brothers Floyd & Homer Thompson and four sisters Dovey Dunnigan, Alta Russell, and Roslyn & Evelyn Thompson.

Graveside services for Josephine will be held on Sunday, January 9 at 2 PM at Dick Cemetery in Big Sinking Kentucky.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 on Thursday January 6 at Lenz Memorial Home in Lacon. Memorials can be made to the Heart Association and online condolences can be left at lenzmemorialhome.com

Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of local arrangements.