Elizabeth "Beth" Ann Smith-Posanke

Service Details

A private service will take place.

RACINE – Elizabeth Ann Smith-Posanke, 66, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Monday, September 1, 2025.

She was born in Kenosha on December 10, 1958, the daughter of the late Richard E. Smith Sr. and Loretta (nee Fosbinder) (Smith) Alberts.  She graduated from Tremper High School and attended UW-Whitewater, where she achieved honors on the dean’s list.

Beth married George P. Posanke, II, on June 9, 1987, in Hawaii.  They resided in Laguna Beach, CA, Palm Springs, CA, Irvine, CA, Napa Valley, CA, and Las Vegas, NV.  George preceded her in death on May 4, 2019.  After his passing, Beth moved to Racine.

She worked as a tax preparer.  After her retirement, she enjoyed working as a crossing guard.

She was an active advocate for animal welfare, as well as an avid art and book collector. She attended Racine Bible Church and had a passionate love of Our Lord, which she exhibited in every facet of her life.

Beth is survived by her step-father, Dale Alberts Sr.; her step-mother, Elizabeth (Carls) Smith; her sisters and brothers, Lorna J. Waldron, Dawn M. Smith, Richard E. Smith, Jr., Christine M. Smith, David A. Marnier, Brian J. (Vicky) Smith, Dale L. Alberts, II; her stepsons, George (Kayleen) Posanke, III, and Steven (Barbara) Posanke; her nephews and nieces, Lawrence, Michael, Lionel, Benjamin, Jeanna, Christopher, Carey, Steven, Michelle, David, Eric, Brandon, Maria, Paige, Sabrina, Kristi, Skyler, and Joshua; 26 great nieces and nephews and 18 great great nieces and nephews; as well as many extended family members and friends.

In addition to her husband, George, and her parents, Richard E. Smith, Sr. and Loretta Alberts, Beth was preceded in death by her sister, Diana L. Cross, and by her grandparents, Mathias and Margaret (nee Larsen) Fosbinder.

A private service will take place.