Barbara Smith
December 03, 1942 - April 15, 2026
Obituary
MIDDLETON/MADISON - Barbara Ann Smith, age 83, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Barb was born on December 3, 1942, in Clinton, WI to Walter and Esther (Reid) Kemmerer. She grew up in Clinton and went on to UW Madison where she earned her BS in mathematics. Barb always talked about going back to get her Masters. Barbara was married on August 22, 1964, to Terrance Michael Smith, at West Minster Presbyterian Church in Madison. She spent her entire life helping students in their educational pursuits. Barb taught at Central High in Madison for one year and the rest of her career at James Madison Memorial High School where she taught general math all the way to calculus. Barb also was a tutor before and after her teaching; and coaching golf, track and field. She was named Who’s Who in America Among American Teachers, two years in a row. Barbara was a long-time member of Madison Teacher’s Inc., First Presbyterian Church of Waunakee, Madison Sports Car Club, Madison Area Builders Association, and the 4H Club of Clinton. Her enthusiasm of the 4H Club led to Barb caring for countless animals throughout her life. She was passionate sports fan including, UW Athletics, auto racing, and golf. She loved planting her flower and vegetable garden, cooking, and canning from her garden, especially pickles. Her passion for cooking was a gift she shared with others, showering them with warmth and love.
Barb is survived by her children, Sharol Persike, and Daniel (Amanda Weber); grandchildren, Amanda (Jon) Wells, Tyler (Mackenzie Funk), Megan Persike, and Ashley; three great grandchildren; sister, Doris Hanson; brothers-in-law, Michael (Beverly) and Philip Power; and sister-in-law, Cathy (Dave) Potter. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other family, and her pets, Ruby and Daisy. Barb is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Terry; sister, Kathy Power; mother-in-law, Delores; son-in-law, Perry Persike; sister-in-law, Suzanne; and significant other, Kenneth Huxhold.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Waunakee, 5763 Co Rd Q. A visitation will be held from 10:00AM followed by the Celebration of Life.
The family would like to thank the staff at Bristol Hospice, especially Hailey and Gabby; and the CNA staff at New Perspective Memory Care, especially Trisha and Emily; and her family physician, Dr. Peter Newcomer, who generously cared for over 20 years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Boys and Girls Club of Madison.
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/boys-and-girls-club-of-dane-county-inc/donations
To view her obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com
Ryan Funeral Services & Legacy Center
6728 Mader Dr
608-274-1000