Ellen Ruth Smith

Ellen Ruth (Anselmo) Smith, 64, of London Mills, passed away, Wednesday, April 26, 2023. She was born to Frank and Theresa “Jane” (Drnec) Anselmo on January 3, 1959. She is preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Mike Smith, two children, Sarah (Justin) Defreitas of Bartonville, and Matthew (Erin Glasnovich) Smith of Galesburg, two grandchildren, Cecilia and Charlotte, her mother Theresa “Jane” Anselmo, one sister Betsy (Bill) Stahler, and nieces and nephews. Ellen graduated from Coal City High School in 1977 as Salutatorian. She was active in several school activities, and especially enjoyed playing the baritone saxophone in marching band. Ellen attended the University of Illinois to become an educator and met her husband, Michael Wayne Smith. They were married on August 17th, 1985. The two began a farming operation in Young Hickory Township and a family, Matthew David & Sarah Jane. Ellen loved spending her days raising chickens & cattle, attending her children’s many extracurricular activities, cattle shows, and substitute teaching at Spoon River Valley school district. She would spend several years working as an agriculture educator through the Fulton County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom program all across west central Illinois. Summer nights were often spent cheering for the Chicago Cubs on WGN radio. Most of all she was her family’s “biggest fan” as she never missed any of her children’s or grandchildren’s events. A visitation will be held at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. A funeral Mass will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Canton at 12:00 Noon. Burial will follow the funeral Mass at Midway Cemetery in London Mills. Following the committal service at the cemetery, a time of fellowship will be held at the United Methodist Church in London Mills. Memorials may be made to Fulton County Farm Bureau Foundation for Ag in the Classroom. To leave online condolences, or to view Ellen’s video tribute, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com