Brenda J Smith, 75, passed away at home surrounded by her family on February 26, 2026.
She was born in St Louis, Missouri on December 8, 1950 to Gilbert W and Helen D (Smith) Brooks.
Brenda graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1968. She was united with her soul mate for 50 years, Eldon “Ken” Smith, on June 1. They together raised three children, fostered over 20 children with special needs, volunteered with Special Olympics, coached kid’s baseball and girl’s softball. She helped raise and show numerous rabbit breeds especially Harlequin rabbits winning “Best in Show” at the National Show. She loved gardening, sewing, quilting, training horses, riding horses, and cheering for the Chicago Cubs. Her greatest joy was her family. She was a source of strength and comfort to them all. She loved and went out of her way to help any child in need. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for anyone in need, especially the people she loved.
She is survived by her children, David Smith (Stephanie), Frankfort, Ohio, Samantha Smith, Tell City and Jami “James” Arndt (Nate), Evanston, Indiana In, grandchildren, Cora Edge (Wes), Alex Alcantara (Ariah), Jessica Smith (Ricky), Kendra Myers (John), Quentin Boone Smith-May, Jarrica Brittain (Nathan), Brittany “Angel” Byrley (Jakob), Lukas Arndt, Skylar Arndt, and special grandson Joe Sherman who was always there helping take care of her and her home; eleven great grandchildren; brother James Brooks, Poplar Grove, Illinois, Thomas Brooks, Gisborne, New Zealand, sisters, Joan Teal, Vienna, Illinois, Carol Fouts (Larry), South Bend, Indiana, Karen Spradlin (Steve), Boonville, Indiana, and numerous cousins, nieces (especially Sarah Nation (Don) Utah, and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband Eldon “Ken” Smith, both parents; sisters, Judith Hubbard, Linda Tobman and a brother Donald Brooks.
In lieu of services the family would ask you to pay her tribute by listening to her “theme” song, “I hope you Dance”. Memorial contributions can be made by giving someone you love a hug. She wants to give you the gift of a song from her heart. “Nothing More” by The Alternate Route at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tXzlVjU1xs
She died due to an extremely rare auto-immune disease called PBC. It is found in a blood test of your liver enzymes. She wanted everyone, especially female relatives, to know that they may be at risk. She had the disease for almost 40 yrs and did not know. It was only found in August of 2024. If the disease had been found sooner she may have lived for many more years.
Pat Brooks says
Beautiful tribute to Brenda. My sympathy to the entire family, but especially to her children, David, Samantha, and Jami. Brenda & I shared the same birthday although different years. I also joked with Brenda about that and the fact we were both pregnant at the same time,
and who was the “largest”. We both had babies in December of 1970. She had David & I had Rebecca. We all had great times at the Christmas family get-togethers and family reunions. Circle J and Camp Brosend were some of my favorites with all the kids and cousins. Brenda will certainly be missed. May the Lord comfort you and yours.
In His love & service
Pat Brooks