Mary Ellen Smith

Mary Ellen Smith passed away peacefully at her home on January 18 at the age of 82.

Mary Ellen was born on October 6, 1943, in Morris, Minnesota, the daughter of Cletus Staebler and Ellen Marie (Corcoran). She was raised on a farm in Morris, where she attended school and grew up as the oldest of seven children. She graduated from Morris High School in 1961. Those early years shaped her strong work ethic and resilience—qualities that stayed with her throughout her life.

Mary Ellen made her home in Webster, Wisconsin, where she raised her family and spent the rest of her life. She married Clayton Smith on December 17, 1966, and together they had two children, Mitchell and Tracy Smith. Clayton and Mary Ellen took ownership of Smitty’s Saloon in Webster, where Mitchell and Tracy spent their childhood years. The saloon was more than a business—it was a gathering place rooted in hard work, relationships, and community. Mary Ellen continued forward following Clayton’s passing on November 7, 1992.

Mary Ellen later dedicated many years of her professional life to working as an accountant, including roles with the Webster School District and Northwest Passage. Her attention to detail and strong work ethic carried through every aspect of her life—she was organized, dependable, and always on top of things.

During those years, Mary Ellen met Mel VanGuilder, and the two shared a life together on River Road. They enjoyed riding trails, feeding deer, and spending time outdoors, creating many meaningful memories until Mel’s passing. While loss shaped parts of her life, it never defined her. In 2016, Mary Ellen chose to move closer to town, settling just a block from downtown Webster, where she spent the final decade of her life.

Family meant everything to Mary Ellen. As the oldest of seven children, she loved sharing stories from her past and memories of growing up. Though she faced her own challenges throughout life, she carried herself with strength, grace, and a forward-looking spirit, never dwelling on the past.

Golf, bowling, and reading were lifelong passions for Mary Ellen. She joined a bowling league at the Black and Orange and was a longtime, supportive member of Fox Run Golf Course. These communities were central to her life, offering not just recreation, but friendships and a sense of belonging. At home, Mary Ellen found joy in reading, especially murder mystery novels—enough to fill an entire spare bedroom. Though she cherished quiet moments, she was also a social butterfly, striking up conversations with people she knew and those she had just met. Many found comfort in her presence; she was a steady listener, a shoulder to lean on, and a source of calm.

Mary Ellen is survived by her daughter, Tracy Smith; two grandchildren, Nathan and Chase Feiner of New Richmond, Wisconsin; her siblings Helen Jane (Paul) Kopel of Alexandria,

Minnesota; Monica (Larry) Johnson of Webster, Wisconsin; Wanda (Stan) Beck of Sauk Centre, Minnesota; Tony (Deb) Staebler of Morris, Minnesota; and Frank (Barb) Staebler of Leonardtown, Maryland; along with many other relatives and good friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, JoAnn Mohr; her husband, Clayton Smith; and her son, Mitchell Smith. Her presence in Webster and the many lives she touched will not be forgotten.

A celebration of life honoring Mary Ellen will be held in Webster on Saturday, May 2. Additional details will be shared as plans are finalized. Family and friends are invited to save the date and come together to celebrate her life

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed online at swedberg-taylor.com.