Caroline "Carol" Smith, age 84, passed away on September 6, 2026. She was born on November 20, 1941, in Oneida, Wisconsin, to Walter Skenandor and Virginia Swamp.

Carol graduated from Seymour High School. She then went to beauty school for cosmetology. While going to beauty school, she got a job at Sammy’s Pizza in Green Bay. From there, she transferred to Sammy’s Pizza in Appleton, where she met and married Roger Gruska. Later in life, she married Erwin Smith.

Carol worked for Colony Oaks Nursing Home for three years. She later worked for Anna John Nursing Home for 25 years, where she loved taking care of others. She loved playing slot machines, where she won many jackpots. Carol also loved collecting rooster figurines and watching the wildlife in her backyard, including birds, deer, and turkeys.

Carol is survived by her three sons, Randy Gruska, Roger Gruska (Diane Ward), and Rick Gruska (Marge); many grandchildren; her sister, Delila Langenhuizen; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia Swamp and Walter Skenandor; her brothers, Robert Skenandor and Harry Wheelock; and her sisters, Cindy Kepke, Josephine Kindness, and Mary Jane.

Family and friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth Street, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11.

The family would like to send special thanks to Anna John Nursing Home and St. Vincent Hospital for the outstanding care they provided to Carol.