Willa Anne Racine

Willa Anne (Smith) Racine, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
Anne was born in Grand Rapids, MI on November 19, 1922. Her childhood included many idyllic summers spent with her family in Muskegan, MI rowing her boat across the surrounding lakes "like lightning". Her father was a prominent attorney in Grand Rapids, and she loved to tell the story of the young, (future 38th president) Gerald Ford, delivering paint and other goods to their home from the Ford family hardware store.
After graduating from Creston High School, she was a secretary for Western Union during WW11 though harbored dreams of becoming a fashion designer.
She pursued a career in nursing after the war instead, spending a decade in Birmingham, AL as a private nurse, before returning to "Yankee Territory" as she liked to say. She married Robert John Racine on September 13, 1960, and together raised their family in Grand Rapids.
One of her greatest joys was being a member of The Grand Rapids Ladies Literary Club, and serving as club president for three terms. Her days as a stylish hostess were legendary and she was also featured in The Grand Rapids Press for her baking prowress as she personally baked 55 different kinds of Christmas cookies for her famous holiday parties.
Never losing her love of fashion, she became an accomplished seamstress. It was a rarity to see a store bought piece of clothing grace her doorstep. She continued sewing her own wardrobe well into her 80's.
Anne & Bob were avid travelers visiting several Caribbean islands and traversing the U.S. attending many US Airforce reunions together. After Bob's passing in 2002, she moved to Nevada, IA to be close to the loves of her life, her grandchildren. She enjoyed watching their sports and activities and having them over to visit at her condo.
She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Nevada and supported the Nevada Police Dept. often surprising them with a plate of her cookies.
Anne joins her husband, Robert, her parents, Irving H. & Ethel (Behrens) Smith, siblings, Irving Margaret & Ethel and their spouses in everlasting peace.
Her memory will be cherished by her son, Liam Racine, Ironton, MI; her daughter, Barbara & (Kevin) Gerlach, Nevada, IA; grandchildren Tierny & (Nick) Dolsky, Danan Gerlach, and Seth & (Laura) Gerlach; three great grandchildren, Charlotte & Bridgette Dolsky and Daisy Gerlach.
Anne will be remembered fondly for her impish smile, fun personality, hats, and when asked how she was, responding with that twinkle in her eye, "crabby".
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Her family will hold a memorial gathering on Monday, August 11th from 10-11am at the home of Kevin and Barbara Gerlach 62577 190 Street - Nevada, IA 50201.