Sheila J. Smith, 68, of Taylorville, passed away at 5:16 a.m. on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

Sheila was born June 24, 1952 in Hillsboro, the daughter of Robert and Sharon (Traylor) Altevogt.  Raised in rural Irving on the family farm, Sheila was the oldest of five daughters.  She was independent and honest, but was always looking out for her younger sisters.  Sheila graduated from Witt High School with the Class of 1970, and went on to proudly serve her country in the United States Air Force. Upon her honorable discharge, she stayed in Arizona, where she held several different jobs with the federal government, eventually retiring from the Social Security Administration.  It was in Arizona where she met her husband, Earl R. Smith. He preceded her in death in 2007, and shortly after Sheila relocated to Taylorville to be closer to her family.  She loved a challenge, and was excellent at completing Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles.  Sheila also loved animals, especially cats.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Peggy Portwood and Donna Wilhelm; and nephew, Brian Williamson.

Sheila is survived by her sisters, Shirley (husband, Jim) Cooper of Taylorville, and Roberta Altevogt of Witt; niece, Angela (husband, John) O’Mahony of Austin, TX; great niece, Harlow O’Mahony; two aunts; two uncles; and several cousins.

Sheila will be cremated and no public services will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Christian County Animal Control, 300 S. Baughman Road, Taylorville, IL 62568.

The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home in Taylorville with arrangements.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Sheila, or offer condolences to her family.