Patty Jo Smith

Patty Jo Smith, 67, of Galesburg, died at 2:42 p.m. on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria. Patty was born on April 7, 1943 in Galesburg, the daughter of Donald R. and Audrey L. (Powell) Camren.  She married Gerald "Gary" Smith in 1966 in Galesburg.  Patty is survived by her husband, Gerald of Galesburg; a son, Jerry of Galesburg; 2 daughters, Lauri Villarreal of Jasonville, IN and Julie Ballard of Peoria; and 3 grandchildren, Nazareth LaMay, Lacy Jo Mason, and Joey Ballard.  She is also survived by a brother, John Camren of Phoenix, AZ; and 3 sisters, Jackie Holland of Las Vegas, NV, Donna Scott of Galesburg, and Sue Cafferty of Phoenix, AZ. Patty graduated from Knoxville High School.  She worked at Admiral and later at K-Mart as an assistant manager.  Patty had a strong catholic faith and was very active at her church, Corpus Christi Catholic Church.  Patty served as an extra ordinary minister, taught CCD classes for many years, and visited the sick and shut-ins and the residents of St. Mary’s Square.  She had assisted in the office and with the bulletin.  She was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, the 3rd Order of the Lay Carmelites, and was a member of the bereavement committee.  Patty was a generous person and loved spending time with her family.  She loved to crochet and collect pictures. A funeral mass for Patty will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, with Rev. William Miller, I.C. officiating.  Burial will follow in East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg.  Visitation will be Monday, November 8, 2010 from 5-8 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home, with the rosary being prayed at 8 p.m.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s or to a charity of the donor’s choice.