Sonia Shirley Smith, age 94, of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, was called to her eternal home in heaven on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Sonia was born on April 2, 1932, in Havana, Illinois, to Lloyd and Cora Lee (Proctor) Shirley. She grew up in Havana, where she attended school and formed lifelong friendships. She later attended Illinois State University, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Home Economics.

On June 5, 1955, Sonia married Richard Jacob Smith of San Jose, Illinois, at Central Christian Church in Havana. They began their married life in Bloomington, Illinois, where they started their family and welcomed their two children, Rani Elise in 1961 and Todd Richard in 1966. They later moved to DeKalb, Illinois, where Sonia and Richard raised Rani and Todd, and where Sonia became an active member of the community and formed many caring friendships.

For many years, Sonia enjoyed teaching textiles in the Home Economics Department at Northern Illinois University. In the 1980’s, with a nod to her endless love of learning, she chose to further her education at the University of Illinois in Champaign, where she earned her Doctorate in Education.

Later, as many of her friends began to enjoy retirement and her children graduated from college, Sonia embarked on an entirely new adventure. With her characteristic “can-do attitude,” she became an entrepreneur, purchasing and running her own business, The Personality Frock Shoppe, in Oglesby, Illinois. Sonia and Richard moved to Oglesby, where she took great pleasure in helping customers select wedding gowns and quality clothing.

Following Richard’s passing on April 28, 1999, Sonia sold the shop and returned to northern Illinois, settling in Sycamore near the DeKalb community that had been such an important part of her life. In June 2020, she moved to Algonquin, Illinois, to be closer to her son Todd and his family. Then, in 2024, she moved to Pewaukee, Wisconsin, to be near her daughter Rani, where she made her home at Kirkland Crossings.

Sonia's commitments to her community, faith, and friendship were always central to her life. In 1972, she became a member of Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), Chapter DX, in DeKalb and remained involved for many years. She also devoted many years of service to First Congregational Church in DeKalb. Demonstrating that it really is never too late to start something new, Sonia was initiated into the Milwaukee Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) at age 90.

Sonia approached life with grace and optimism. Her life was happy and full, rich with love, travel, dear friendships, Christian service, the arts, lifelong learning, new adventures, and, above all, her cherished family.

She was especially proud of her five grandchildren: Brian Lloyd Hershberger; Rachel Elise Hershberger; Samuel Richard Smith; Kevin Jacob Hershberger; and Matthew Logan Smith. As her only granddaughter, Rachel held the distinction of being “favorite granddaughter”—a title Sonia could bestow without getting herself into too much trouble with her grandsons.

Sonia is survived by her children, Rani Ruf and her husband, Michael, and Todd Smith and his wife, Teresa; her five grandchildren; their spouses and fiancées, Brittany, Meagan, and Ashley; her dear step-grandchildren, Lily and Mickey Ruf; her niece, Lissette Brod; and her nephew, Lincoln Shirley.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Jacob Smith; her parents, Lloyd and Cora Lee Shirley; her brother, Lloyd Shirley; and her sister, Nancy Shirley.

Sonia will be remembered for her determination, curiosity, faith, friendships, love of learning, and devotion to her family. Throughout her 94 years, she continued to embrace what came next—new places, new pursuits, new people, and new experiences—with the same spirit that guided her throughout her life.

Her family is grateful for the many friendships that enriched Sonia’s life and for the love and kindness shown to her throughout the years.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE 

The service will be held on October 2, 2026, at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, in the chapel at Kirkland Crossings, 700 Quinlan Dr, Pewaukee, WI 53072.

MEMORIALS 

In lieu of flowers, please choose one of these organizations that Sonia cared deeply about. For each, you can simply enter her name as a tribute “in memory of.” 

National Honor Flight Network - Click here to donate. She enjoyed watching Rani accompany a veteran on a flight. Sonia’s husband, Richard, served in the Korean War. Your donations support the national network and our efforts to bring our Veterans to DC to reflect at the memorials built in their honor. 

Tails Human Society in DeKalb - Click here to donate. Sonia cared deeply for rescue animals, donating newspapers for the pens and giving financially, especially to the senior dogs that tugged at her heartstrings. She always enjoyed the company of her “grandpets,” many of which her family rescued from the organization. Tails is 100% funded by donors and service fees. They rely on the community's support to keep providing life-saving services.