Carol Rae Smith, 68, of Tolono, passed away peacefully in her sleep with her husband by her side at 6:17 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2015 at home after a courageous battle with cancer. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 at Danville National Cemetery, Danville. Chaplain Tony Crouch officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana.

Mrs. Smith was born December 6, 1946 in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of Oral Ray and Beatrice (Buchanan) Steelman. She married Jack A. Smith on January 15, 1972 in Dayton, Ohio and he survives. She is also survived by a son, Todd Smith (Stacy) of Pesotum and grandchildren, Carsyn and Madison Smith.

Carol graduated from Fairview High School, Class of 1965 in Dayton, Ohio. She went on to work for Bell Telephone. She met Jack while he was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn, Ohio. They moved to Charleston, IL to attend EIU. They next moved to Champaign where she and Jack attended Parkland College while Jack also directed the Histology Dept. at Mercy Hospital, Urbana, IL. After son Todd was born they moved to Tolono where Jack and Carol started Smith Aire Inc, the family's HVAC and refrigeration business. Carol handled all the office duties and answered the phone for over 20 years.

She enjoyed life and the Caribbean trips she and Jack took every winter. She especially enjoyed the last one that her grandchildren got to go on with her. She also enjoyed collecting antique toys, antique glassware, scrapbooking and gardening. As well as sitting on the porch, feeding her squirrels and enjoying her grandkids activities. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to especially extend thanks to the Christie Radiation Oncology staff and the Carle Hospice staff for all of their support during her illness.