In Loving Memory of Barbara Smith

Barbara Marie Smith, age 59, passed away Thursday, June 20, 2019 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  She was born on November 17, 1959 in Hartford, Wisconsin to Leonard and Betty Wilhelmi.  Barbara grew up in Slinger, Wisconsin and graduated from Slinger High.  She later gained an education as a Beautician.

After meeting Gregg Smith at Broken bow Campground in Wisconsin, they were married on May 24, 1980 and had two loving children together; Aaron and Carra Smith.

Barbara held many Titles; among them, Mom, Wife, Sister, Daughter, and Friend. Barbara will forever be remembered as a talented, free spirited woman who embraced life.  There was rarely a moment when she wasn’t painting, quilting, knitting, cooking, hiking, camping, making stained glass, star gazing, gardening, sewing, or worshiping God at Woodman Valley Chapel.  But above all, her true joy was helping others.  Such a kind and caring person, who would do anything to help others, whether it was making something, giving her time and skills, or just giving an ear or shoulder to cry on.  She would tell you to “keep breathing”, “life happens when you’re busy making plans”, “focus on whatever you’re doing (even in the bathroom)”, and so many more wonderful bits of wisdom.  She had given her life to God and walked the walk, never judging, or holding a grudge to become bitter and unhappy.  Barbara forgave easily and moved forward to be happy herself.  She has now moved forward again to experience new and wonderful things and we will see her again!

A poem she left behind in her things seems to be Barbara speaking to us…

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints in the snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush.

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quite birds in circling flight.

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand on my grave and cry.

I am not there. I did not die.

Barbara is preceded in death by her father, Leonard Wilhelmi as well as many other loved ones.

She is survived by her son, Aaron (Natanya) Smith; daughter, Carra (Ryan) Smith; grandchildren, Alexia, Gregg, Kaden, Irelynn, Ryan, Katelynn, John; mother, Betty Wilhelmi; brother, Mark (Linda) Wilhelmi; sister, Connie (Timothy) Rohrer; as well as many more loved ones