Agnes M. Smith

Agnes M. (Sullivan) Smith, 85, went to be with our Lord on May 23, 2014, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

Agnes the eldest daughter of Mary (Hazert) and William G. LaVoy, was born in Superior on February 23, 1929. She attended St. Anthony’s School in Allouez and graduated from the former East High School in 1947.

Ag began her career in the restaurant business early in life, starting out as a waitress at the former Arrow Cafe in Superior East End. After a number of years working in various establishments, she acquired the skills and confidence to open her first place of business Sully’s Cafe in East End Superior. Ag and her second husband James Smith, purchased the White Birch Tavern in Solon Springs, in December of 1967. It didn’t take them long to add food to the establishment, turning it into the White Birch Supper Club. After selling the White Birch in August of1980, Ag went on to cook at various establishments in Douglas and Sawyer counties.

In the late 80’s, Ag and Jim sold their place on Bass Lake and hit the road in their motor home. They had many great adventures until Jim’s illness and passing in 1991. Never one to sit still, Ag went on to do volunteer work, in home helper to the elderly, and rejuvenating the “1100 Club” at St. Mary’s Hall. Cooking again became a part of her life with the “pot luck” meals there. She was also instrumental in organizing the “Red Hats Society.” Ag was always ready for a good time with her unusual sense of humor………and she did it all “her way” right up to the end.

Ag was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jim; daughter-in-law Brenda Sullivan, brothers-in-law, Keith Mack and Ernie Weber.

Ag is survived by one daughter, Linda (Brian) Denston, South Range, WI; three sons, Daniel (Celia) Sullivan, South Range, WI; Michael (Jeanette)Sullivan, Superior, WI, and James (Ruth) Smith, Rice Lake, WI; twelve grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren. Along with sisters: Mary Ann (Tom) Grimsrud, Friendswood, Texas; Barbara (Dave) Kennison, Rutherfordton, North Carolina; Phyllis Mack, Hawthorne, WI; Helen Weber, Mankato, MN; Sharon (Ray) Liske, Livingston, Texas; and cousin Ray (Clem) Hinz, Superior; plus many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Middle River Health and Rehabilitation Center, especially the “A” team and Heritage Manor, Rice Lake for their excellent care of Ag.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 7, 2014 in the Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 East 5th Street, Superior and will continue until the 11:00 AM Memorial Service with Rev. Fr. Dean Buttrick, officiating.

A private family burial will be at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Spooner, WI.

To send a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.