Mila Marguerite (Rauch) Smith, 80, of Davenport, IA died on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at her home. To honor her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a celebration of life service at Edwards United Church of Christ on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held Friday, February 24, 2023 from 3 to 7 p.m. also at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mila's name may be made to any of the three following organizations; Edwards UCC, Edwards UCC Endowment, or La Leche League International.
Mila was born on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1942 to Harold and Marguerite (Speth) Rauch. She graduated with the final class of Davenport High School in 1960. Mila married her childhood sweetheart, Milo, on December 10, 1960. Together, they raised four children. Mila worked tirelessly to create a wonderful life for her children and volunteered at various organizations. She started as a leader for La Leche League International eventually becoming the Western United States Director of Leaders to her final position of International Director of Leaders, which enabled her to travel the world. Mila's passion for family and children extended even further with her role in counseling at Pilgrim Heights Church Camp. This passion was shared with her husband, Milo. Countless memories were made at camp and continue to be made to this day. Mila had incredible cooking and baking skills that she put to use for church functions. She was a lifelong member at Edwards United Church of Christ. Mila spent her whole life caring for others, doing everything with love, and making memories to last many lifetimes.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 62 years Milo; children Lisa (Tom) Carstens, Princeton, IA, Wendy (Larry) St John, Pleasant Hill, IA, Neal (Kim) Smith, Cambridge, IL and Peggy (Otto) Olsen, Davenport, Iowa; grandchildren Heather Carstens, Ty Carstens, Christopher (Ashley) Simmons, Justin (Tiffany) Simmons, Jason (Blaire) St John, Jessica St John, Courtney (Jesse) Dale, Keegan (Olivia) Smith, and Sam Olsen; great-grandchildren Addison, Chase, Hayleigh, Tuesday, Carlynn, Milo, Macklin, Lily, Nora, Carly, Braxton, and Hunter; along with their mother Lisa Feller; and beloved niece Dena Rauch.
She was preceded in death by her mother Marguerite Meinert (Speth), father Harold Rauch, beloved brother and sister-in-law Larry and Marlene Rauch, grandson TC Carstens, and her best friend of 60 years, Sharon Giery.
She lived and loved with her whole heart and her family and friends will miss her deeply.
Online condolences and fond memories may be left to the Smith family by visiting her obituary at www.weertsfh.com
