Rose M. (Churas) Smith, Waupaca, Wis., age 92, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at Bethany Home in Waupaca. She was born February 9, 1919, in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Dominick and Clementyna (Zajehowski) Churas. Rose married Russell Smith on September 17, 1939, in Oshkosh, Wis.
Rose was a member of Eastern Star for many years, and she was also active in Homemakers. Rose worked for the Waupaca Public School lunch program and also in the kitchen at Bethany Home. She enjoyed playing cards, particularly sheepshead. After retirement, Rose and Russell traveled and attended polka dances as often as possible. Rose also enjoyed bowling, gardening and golf. She found great joy in all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Rose is survived by her daughters, Annette (Richard) Rietz, of Arizona and Wisconsin, and Jane Kietzer, of Lomira, Wis.; sons, Allen and Wayne Smith, of Ogdensburg, Wis., and Edward (Mary) Smith, of Waupaca, Wis.; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; two sisters, Julia Churas and Sister Virginia Churas; and a brother, Antone Churas.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Smith; a son-in-law, Bob Kietzer; two brothers, Lewis (Theresa) and Carl Churas; and a sister, Evelyn (Verland) Hanson.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 2, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Waupaca, Wis. Reverend Michael Weigand will officiate. A visitation will be held on Monday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at Lakeside Memorial Park in Waupaca following the services.
Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca assisted the family with arrangements.