Althea L. Smith, of Sheboygan, entered eternal life on Sunday evening, March 9, 2025 at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice surrounded by the love of her family. She was 63 years old.
Althea was born in 1961, the daughter of William and Anita (Muessler) Hess. She graduated from Pewaukee High School in 1979. On April 25, 1987 she was united in marriage with Edson Smith at Zion Lutheran Church.
After high school, Althea worked for insurance companies, as well as a ticket taker at the state fair grounds which she did for over 20 years. Once her daughters were born, Althea dedicated her life to raising and homeschooling her young family to have a personal relationship with Jesus, and fostering 25 children. It was important to her that their daughters have the chance to experience and learn as much as possible. She later worked as a caregiver for local assisted living facilities, and most recently at Plymouth Culvers.
A member of Crossroads Community Church since 2022, Althea had been active with many organizations and clubs including HCE, CHES, The Gathering Place, Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund, Wisconsin Bookworms, Project Angel Hugs, City Marketplace, 4-H since childhood into adulthood as a leader, Crossroads Wize ‘N Up, and special needs ministries including Night To Shine and Crossroads Thrive.
Althea’s life was filled with arts and crafts of ALL kinds including paper art, basketry, tatting, anything involving fiber, painting and photography. She shared her skills and love of creative art with those she worked with, volunteered with and her family. She loved to read and had a vast library of books to prove it. She also had impressive collections of baskets, crosses, ornaments and trivets which filled her home. She adored Christmas where she gifted meaningful ornaments to those she loved, often handcrafted. Her family will cherish memories of their annual tradition of making homemade ornaments, and often helping with other volunteer tasks. Althea loved traveling, both for leisure and ministry outreach. And last fall, made many special memories on her first riverboat vacation with Edson.
In all she did, Althea’s mission was clear; bringing God’s love to others. Her passion and zest for life were contagious, and she lived her life to serve others. Right up until her last days, she was busy preparing items to share and bring joy to others. Her legacy of ministry, faith and service live on in her family, and all those impacted by her selfless work.
Althea is survived by her husband Edson and their daughters: Erica Smith of Sheboygan, Amanda Smith of Plymouth and Victoria (Jed) Mentzel of Hartford; sisters Julianne Boerner of West Allis and Karee (Francis) Abbott of Plymouth; brother-in-law Des (Suzanne) Smith of Hartland; sister-in-law Wendy (the late Casey) Smith of Pewaukee; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends too numerous to count.
A Memorial Service celebrating Althea’s life will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Crossroads Community Church, 4321 County Road A in Sheboygan. Pastor Charles Mersberger will officiate. The family will receive visitors at the church on Saturday from 11:00AM-2:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Living Hope International – Mexico, Sheboygan County Pay It Forward and The Gathering Place at St. Paul Lutheran Church.
The Wenig Funeral Home – Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting the family. Please visit www.wenigfh.com for online condolences.
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