Vanetia Smith

V. Vanetia (Adams) Smith, 93, died Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at Vernon Manor in Viroqua. She was born at home in Vernon County, WI to John and Freda (Arnold) Adams on September 13, 1922. She graduated from Viola High School in 1940. She married George Carter Smith of Sylvan Ridge, Richland County, WI on May 1, 1941, where they farmed until 1953. They had two children, Pamela V., and Rodney M. George died May 1995. Vanetia worked at the Badger Ordinance Plant outside of Baraboo, WI. She returned with her family to Viola to start a new education, staying in La Crosse and attending La Crosse School of Beauty, during the week . She eventually owned her own shop located under the Fortney Hotel, The Vernon Beauty Center. She also obtained her B.S. in Elementary Education in 1971. She never taught and decided to keep her beauty shop open, moving to South Main Street in the family home, working along side Karen Olson, Estelle Espe Olson, Ona Wetterling Gerry Ellefson and various other employees. She and Dad, also had a beef operation after they built a new house in Kickapoo Center. Mother kept all the records for that and could identify every cow and had her own names for each. They also owned and operated the Viroqua Dairy Queen in the early 60s during the summer months. Vanetia was secretary at Chaseburg Elementary School during this time and was attending county normal school and UW-L, graduating in 1971. Learning new things were always fun for her and took a lot of courage to overcome her shynessthus she learned to swim at the Y in LaCrosse with special friends, Eleanor Oftedahl, Aggie Schroeder, Pat Stafslien, and several others. Joining the Viroqua Country Club and playing golf with Dad and new friends she developed new skill for herself. Vanetia was involved with Royal Neighbors and became an integral part of Eastern Star, reaching the honored position of Worthy Matron in the early 80s. She eventually became a 50 year member recently of which she was very proud. Vanetia moved to Readstown after George passed away, always being very independent. She also resided at Fair Haven and for the last five years was a resident of Vernon Manor. Mother loved to play cards, dance while she was able, her favorite partner was Dad, Play SkipBo and Mexican train with Audrey and Roger, the coffee pot was always on at Mothers even though she wasnt Norwegian. She was also a book-aholic until her eyes were not useable and then tried the books on tape from the Wisconsin Books for the Blind. Vanetia was a quiet observer until she had something to say and everyone listened carefully. As her family, we were proud of her independence and her willingness to try new things with "Geordie". We all loved her dearly and will miss her business mind and quick wit. Vanetia passed away August 2, 2016 at the age of 93 years old, just shy of her 94th birthday. She is survived by one daughter, Pamela V. (Peter) Brose; and one son, Rodney (Diane) Smith; four grandchildren: Shawn (Sally) Brose, Robyn (Ira) Johnson, Angela (Peter) Wellsmith, Dustin (Sarah) Smith; nine great-grandchildren: Kerbie and Emilie Brose, Finley and Lola Johnson, Madison and Carter Wellsmith, Louis, Miah, and Gemma Smith; one brother-in-law, Roger Johnson; nieces, nephews, and greats; many good friends. In addition to her husband, George and her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers: Virgil and Bernard and their wives, Ethel and Lottie; one sister, Audrey Johnson; one nephew and one niece. Gifts may be given to the local Salvation Army, Kickapoo area first responders in Vanetias memory. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 6, 2016 at Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker St., (Hwy 56) in Viroqua. Pastor John Gannon will officiate with burial to follow in the Viola Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 10:30 a.m. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.