Obituary

Sheila was born to Billy and Justine Rodgers in Joliet Illinois on November 15, 1964. She was the youngest of four children and her blue eyes, smile and contagious laughter, even at an early age, quickly stole the hearts of those she met.

She attended school in Blaine and Ferndale High Schools and upon the death of her father in 1982 it was her ardent desire to return to Blaine High School so she could graduate with her friends.

Sheila enjoyed working within a team to accomplish goals. This was fostered at an early age during her time at Blaine High School where she was a member of a state championship 4 x 100 relay team that held the state record for many years. As an adult, she used the same philosophy when she tackled problems or projects at work. She recognized the truth in the concept that one of us is not better than all of us.

She welcomed a challenge – and was a strong advocate that anything a man could do, a woman could do as well, if not better. She would take cross country trips on her Harley Davidson and despite the mileage or conditions, would never complain. She typically would be the first one up the next day to enthusiastically ride through the next mountain pass.

In 2010 Shelia met her husband Jeff Smith. She appreciated Jeff’s calm demeanor and repeatedly commented that she would follow him anywhere and in the summer of 2014 she followed him to Coeur d’Alene where they were married on their way to Sturgis.

Domestic duties were not particularly her forte. She tried gardening, canning, cooking, cleaning, and everything that comes with it but found she would much rather be off visiting with friends, riding her Harley or caring for her many animals. She had a passion for her animals, especially her goats (Priscilla and Polka Dot) and her dogs (Tucker and Meika). She bottle raised the goats and even went to the extent of having Jeff build a goat pen right outside the back door so that she could watch over them from the kitchen window. Tucker and Meika are part of her immediate family and when she was told she was highly allergic to dogs, she told her allergist she didn’t care what she had to take or do to live with them but they weren’t going anywhere!

One of the things that Sheila enjoyed most in her life was her wide circle of friends. She placed value in each friendship whether you met her as classmate, work friend or one of her fellow Harley riders. If you knew her, she was a friend for life. She especially enjoyed having a goodtime with her friends and colleagues and was quite comfortable laughing at herself. She enjoyed funny pranks, bad jokes or anything that would get people to laugh and enjoy themselves. When she smiled her whole body smiled and you were thankful to be sharing that moment with her.

Shelia was a beloved wife, sister and friend. She was predeceased by her father Billy Waymon Rodgers and her mother Justine Raenette Moots. Survived by her husband Jeff Smith, brother Bill (Marla) Rodgers, sister Cherie Christensen, brother Steve Rodgers (Monica Bruland) and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be conducted on June 25th at Blaine Marina (235 Marine Drive, Blaine) from 1-3 P.M.