ROCHELLE — Velma I. Smith, 89, passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2019 in Franklin Grove.  Velma was born on Sept. 4, 1929 to Elmer and Cecil (Ford) Payne in Mt. Vernon. She married Donald E. Smith on Feb. 26, 1945 in Mt. Vernon. He preceded her in death on Dec. 23, 2011.  
In addition to her husband and parents, Velma is predeceased by her son, Gary Smith; daughter, Sharyl Smith; and brother, Donald Payne.
Velma is survived by her three sons, Ron (Lori) Smith of Dixon, Keith (Tina) Smith of Clarkrange, Tennessee, and Ken (Johanna) Smith of Venice, Florida; two sisters, Arline Thompson of Franklin Grove, and Maxine Brown of Colinsville; brother, Clyde (Doris) Payne of Las Vegas, Nevada; sister-in-law, Marie Payne of Woodlawn; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Sunday, March 31 from 3-5 p.m. at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 1 at the funeral home with Pastor Gregory Hoffmann officiating. Burial will follow at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle.  
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unger-Horner Funeral Home to assist the family in expenses.  
Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.