Obituary of Caletta Smith

SMITH, Caletta "Dixie" 60, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away on March 8, 2011 after a short but brave battle with cancer. She was born July 20, 1950 at Lincoln, IL, a daughter of Calvin W. Short and Etta E. Klokkenga Short. Dixie graduated from Hartsburg-Emden High School in 1968 and attended Illinois Central College in Peoria, IL. She was baptized and confirmed in St. Peter's Lutheran Church at Emden, IL, and later transferred membership to United Methodist Church in Dunedin. Dixie was an avid and talented seamstress, and she loved animals, particularly dogs and cats--a number of whom were lucky to share her life. She leaves behind a son, Valentine Michael Smith of Sale Creek, TN; a devoted partner, Jeffrey Campbell and his family of Clearwater, FL; her mother Etta Short, of Emden, IL; and two sisters, Esther Sparks of Lincoln, IL and Maralee (William) Boerma, of Emden, IL. Dixie will also be missed by her extended family, including the nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and geat-nephews that she enjoyed and loved so much. Dixie was preceded in death by her father, in 1973. Dixie's family wishes to extend their gratitude to all her friends and co-workers, and to the loving staff at Woodside Hospice House who cared for her during her time with them. Memorials may be made to Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33860-9962. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 26 at 3 pm at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. ALifeTribute 347-5521