Janet L (Shepherd) Smith

Janet L. Smith, 77, of Litchfield, passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 10:55 p.m., in her home.  She was born January 4, 1946, in Springfield, a daughter of Thomas Charles and Helen Louise (Gerhard) Shepherd. She graduated with Lincolnwood High School’s class of 1964. She married Ronald Lee Ray on August 28, 1965; they later divorced. On July 29, 1988, she married Roger Keith Smith; he survives. In her earlier years, Mrs. Smith enjoyed quilting and raising show horses with her first husband, Ronald Ray. Later, she was the activity director for Berry Care Center in Litchfield, and she was employed by Litchfield Community Unit School District #12 as a bus driver for several years. As a University of Illinois Master Gardener, she loved working in her floral garden and kept it looking beautiful.

Mr. Smith shared, "Janet was not just a wonderful wife and mother, she was my soul mate. She kept telling me that I would say what she was thinking. I wasn't sure until she started saying what I was thinking. My only regret is that we didn't have more time together; every day was a treasured moment and I thank God for every one. We were truly blessed with a wonderful family that brought us so much happiness and many good friends."

In addition to her husband Roger, Mrs. Smith is survived by:

2 sons; Jess (Fawn) Ray and Lucas (companion Shannon Sweeny) Ray, both of Normal,

1 step-son; Chad (Michelle) Smith of Butler,

1 step-daughter; Candi (Rowdy) Luck of Hillsboro,

1 brother; Jim (Dorothy) Shepherd of Hillsboro,

7 grandchildren; Aidan & Alannah Ray, Taylor Huber, Shoal Luck, and Avery, Presley & River Smith,

2 great-grandchildren; Sterling & Jesse Huber,

Several cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom she was very fond of.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, June 18, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield, with Rev. Jon Magnuson of Beacon Church officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service, from noon until the time of service. The family suggests memorials be made to Alzheimer’s Association or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Interment will be at Cedar Ridge Cemetery in Honey Bend.