Margaret “Ann” Smies, 83, formerly of Homewood, IL, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Pine Haven Christian Home – Giddings Avenue in Covenant Home.
Ann was born to Charles and Martha (Hartzell) Clark on November 25, 1942, in Piqua, Ohio. After high school, Ann went on to Bowling Green State University, where she got a BS in Elementary Education. She taught for a year in Piqua and went back to BGSU for a second major in music. In 1966, she moved to Chicago area with a girlfriend to seek adventures in the big city and to continue their teaching careers.
On June 28, 1969, Ann was united in marriage to Frederic Smies in the Reformed Church in Harvey, Illinois.
She enjoyed a rich choral life, beginning with a year in the Chicago Symphony Chorus, followed by more than four decades singing with and acting as the devoted music librarian for the Park Forest/Grand Prairie Singers. She was a member of many church choirs along the way. A cherished soloist, she sang at countless weddings and funerals as she was the singer of choice for many friends and family who knew her gift and her heart.
Ann is survived by her husband, Frederic “Ric”; children, Eric Smies, Laura (Dan) Schrock; sister-in-law, Margaret Smies; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, John Smies.
A memorial service to celebrate Ann’s life will take place at Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00am.
Visitation will be held from 10:00am until the time of service.
Memorials are appreciated in Ann’s name to Pine Haven Christian Communities by visiting pinehaven.org/giving-back or mail to 531 Giddings Avenue, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085.
Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg (920-564-2771) is honored to serve the Smies Family. Please visit wenigfh.com for more information.
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