Edith LaFerne “Ferne” Smith, age 88, of Trenton, and formerly of Canton, IL, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese. She was born November 12, 1936, in Galesburg, IL, a daughter of the late John and Merel (nee Riggs) Anderson.
In addition to her parents, Ferne was preceded in death by her husband, Walter “Walt” Smith whom she married in June 1979 at The Salvation Army of Canton Church; son, Steven Peterson; step-daughter, Martha Sue Smith; and siblings, Nancy (Dick) Myers and Bill Anderson.
Ferne is survived by her children, Diana (Jimmy) Vice of Lewiston, IL, Brian (Lisa) Peterson of Lansing, MI, Jeff (Alena) Peterson of Newport News, VA, and Carolyn (Jeff) Mitchell of Albers, IL; step-children, Kevin (Angie) Smith and Kirk (Dee) Smith, both of Florida; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; brother, Rick (Pam) Anderson of Canton, IL; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Anderson of Canton, IL.
Ferne formerly worked on the assembly line for Caterpillar in Mossville, IL and she was a member of The Salvation Army of Canton Church. She had a special love for roses and a talent for crocheting and knitting. Bowling brought her joy, but nothing made her happier than time spent with her family—especially her grandchildren, whom she adored.
Graveside Service will be Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at White Chapel Memory Gardens Cemetery in Canton, IL.
