Arthur Smith

Arthur D. Smith, age 69, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2022 at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford. He was born on October 1, 1953 in Rochelle the son of Walter and Marguerite (Harleman) Smith. Arthur married the love of his life, Florence Beightol 45 years ago on September 10, 1977. Arthur was a hard worker spending time working at the Village of Progress, Caron International, and Rochelle Foods. He was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand; frequently helping his neighbors and brother on their farms. He enjoyed to tinker with and fix lawn mowers and mowing the grass. He loved animals at points raising geese, ducks, chickens, rabbits, and pigs. In his spare time; he could be found out in his garden or watching Nascar. He would go to the Chana Sale Barn any chance he could and also enjoyed attending fairs. But, more than anything he loved his family. He could always be found cheering on his grandchildren on at their sporting events. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Virgil and brother-in-law Virgil Nutt. He is survived and missed by his loving wife, Florence; children, Margarete (William Blanton) Smith of Rochelle and Albert (Alison) Smith of Adaline; sisters, Hazel Nutt of Byron and Helen (Adin) Taylor of Oregon; sister-in-law, Dorothy Smith of Texas and grandchildren, Zachary Smith, Anna Blanton, Alana Smith, and Allan Smith; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday November 1, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Stillman Valley with Pastor Jerry Martz officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 at the funeral home prior to the service. Burial will be in Payne’s Point. Memorials are established in his name.