LAURIE SMITH

Laurie Ann Smith, age 53, of Neenah, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on Tuesday, March 8, 2011. She was born February 23, 1958 in Appleton, Wisconsin, daughter of Leonard & Elizabeth Bekx. Laurie married John Smith on November 8, 1986. Laurie touched countless lives with her servant attitude. She was a devoted wife and mother who put the needs and desires of her family ahead of her own. A precious, trusted daughter, sibling, and friend, Laurie always took the time to be available. She enjoyed sharing the simple things with others and was a great listener and took a genuine interest in the lives of those around her. More importantly, Laurie was a Christian role model who exhibited unconditional love, integrity and selfless sacrifice. This was demonstrated when she went to New Orleans to provide onsite support to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Her warm smile, gentle voice, meticulous handwriting, and unwavering perseverance will long be remembered. Laurie was a 1976 graduate of Neenah High School. During her senior year she entered into the Business Co-op Program and began employment with Kimberly-Clark. Over the past 35 years, Laurie has been a dedicated, hard-working K-Cer. Laurie is survived by her husband of 24 years, John, daughter, Melissa, son, Matthew all of Neenah; parents, Len & Liz Bekx, Neenah; twin sister Pat (Bob) Thut, Green Bay; sister Linda (Bob) Ladwig, Fall River; brother Gary (Wendy) Bekx, Greenville; sister, Maria (Mike) Schmitt, Hollandtown; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sue & Bill Steinhilber, Oshkosh; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Paul and Pam Smith, Centennial, Colorado. Other survivors include cherished nieces and nephews, Ryan, Andy (Sarah), and Allie Thut; Stacy and Alex Ladwig, Anna, David, and Laura Schmitt; Becky (Mark) Williams and Dan (Maggie) Smith; Nathaniel (Amy) Smith and Tim (Jenny) Smith and many close friends. Laurie was preceded in death by her in-laws, Paul and Marian Smith and close friend, Zana Heindel. A Christian Funeral service for Laurie will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Bible Church, Neenah, Dr. Harry Shields officiating. Friends and family may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2011 at Neenahs Westgor Funeral Home. Interment will be in Lakeview Memorial Park, Oshkosh. In lieu of flowers, the Smith Scholarship memorial fund has been established at Lakeview Credit Union for the continuing education of her children, Melissa and Matthew. Laurie deeply loved John, Melissa, and Matt and that love was richly returned. She was truly cherished and will continue to remain in the hearts of her family. Laurie is now at rest with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Throughout her life she lived her faith by demonstrating it to others.