Katherin Jane Smith, 63, of Benton, died at 10:17 a. m. Thursday, April 18, 2013 at her home after a six year battle with breast cancer. Mrs. Smith was born on December 25, 1949 in Columbus, OH, the daughter of Dr. Robert Wells and Katherin (Penrod) Wells. She married Cecil Smith on July 13, 2008 and he survives. Katherin was a grade school teacher for thirty-four years and retired from the Benton Elementary School in 2010. She enjoyed teaching, antiquing, traveling, and especially spending time with her grandchildren. Surviving relatives include her husband, Cecil Smith, Benton, two children, Ryan (Karen) McCollum, Benton, Kathleen (Jeremy) Tucker, Saint Peters, MO, five grandchildren, Kathy, Ryan "Junie", and Jason McCollum, Jayden and Katelyn Tucker, one brother, Jim (Sue) Wells, Benton, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and her rat terrier, "Lizzie". Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her parents and a niece, Alicen Wells. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 p. m. Saturday, April 20, 2013 at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Benton. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p. m. Sunday at the funeral home with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Road, Marion, IL 62959, Benton Grade School K-4 Library, 1000 McKenzie St., Benton IL 62812, or Franklin County Animal Control, 13163 Odd Fellow Lane, Benton, IL 62812 and will be accepted at the funeral home. Visit www.hobbsjohnson.com to sign the memorial guestbook