Delores L. Smits, 86, De Pere, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, January 12, 2013. Delores was born November 27, 1926 in Green Bay, WI, a daughter of the late George and Angeline (Guns) Ver Haagh. On June 14, 1947 she married Elmer Smits at St Mary's Church, Glenmore, WI. He preceded her in death on September 15, 1991.
Delores and Elmer farmed in the town of Hobart for many years retiring in 1988. She enjoyed fishing, playing cards, bingo, going up north, and volunteering at the Missions.
Delores is survived by her seven children: Sharon Ness (Paul), Janice Allen (Earl), Patricia Kucksdorf (Mike), George Smits (Sandy), Elmer "Butch" Smits, Jr (Lisa), Tina Smits (Huey), and Lisa Smits (Ben); 18 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren. She is further survived by her siblings: Betty Linzmeier, Helen Healy, Theresa Van Den Elzen, George (Mary) Ver Haagh, Bernice (William) Ver Hasslet, Bernard (Jeannie) Ver Haagh, and Robert (Mary) Ver Haagh; Elmer's family: Donald (Arlene) Smits and Dot (Bill) Greasby; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Elmer Smits, Sr; three sons: Richard "Dick", Anthony "Tony", and John "Ping"; son-in-law Paul Ness; brother John Ver Haagh; brothers-n-law Robert Linzmeier, John Healy and Orville Vanden Elzen; Elmer's parents Antone and Anna Smits; and Elmer's family: Norbert (Laona) VandenLangenberg; Jim (Marie) Van De Voort, Ed (Mabel) Ebben, and Earl Dunks.
Friends and family may visit on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at RYAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 305 N. Tenth St, De Pere; Prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oneida, 145 St. Joseph Dr, Oneida. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. at church with Fr. John Katamba officiating and Deacon Everett "Bobby" Doxtator assisting. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Oneida, WI. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Smits family. Memorials are appreciated to the Alzheimer's Association in Delores' name.
The Smits family wishes to send a very special thank you to Patient Pines staff and residence for the love they showed to Delores and her family. Also, a thank you to Hospice Advantage for their care.
