Racine –Nellie Rae Smith, age 92, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Ridgewood Care Center on Sunday, April 17, 2016.

Nellie was born in Weathersby, Mississippi on July 6, 1923. She was united in marriage with Paul A. Smith on February 5, 1943 in Jackson, MS. She was employed as the cafeteria supervisor at St. Luke's Hospital for many years.

Among her interests, she enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles and was a fan of old country western music. Above all, Nellie was all about her family.

Surviving are her son & daughter-in-law, J. David & Nancy Smith; son-in-law, Scott Tangerstrom; grandchildren, Melissa Taggart, Bethany Tangerstrom and Sarah Tangerstrom; great-grandchildren, Taylor (fiancé, Jonathon Baker) Taggart and Meghann Taggart; great-great-granddaughter, Raelynn Taggart; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Nellie was preceded in death by her father, Vernon Gillis; mother, Myrtle (nee: Patterson) Morgan; step-father, Claude Morgan; beloved daughter, Susan Tangerstrom; brother, Vernon (Yvonne) Gillis; and sister, V. Susan (Carroll) Wilkes.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 22, 2016 at 10:00 am at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Zarling officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and on Friday from 9:00 – 10:00 am.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. James Gierahn; Sue Cooper, N.P.; and to the entire staff at Ridgewood Care Center for the wonderful care and support given in Nellie's time of need. May God bless all of you!