Susan Smithson

Susan Smithson, 76, of Geneseo, IL, passed away at Allure of the Quad Cities, Moline, IL, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.  A private family graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo.  Reverend Stephen Mueller will officiate.  Vandemore Funeral Home – Geneseo Chapel will be assisting the family with the arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Susan was born on April 13, 1949, in Rock Island, Illinois, the daughter of Leo and Jane Kedrowski. She graduated from Rock Island High School in 1967, where she proudly served as a drum majorette, twirling her baton and leading the band with grace and enthusiasm throughout her high school years.

Susan worked as a receptionist for Mel Foster Company, bringing her warm personality and dedication to the role. She found joy in a variety of hobbies and passions, including singing with the Multicords Chorus, Sweet Adeline’s, and Harmony Inc., as well as riding motorcycles with her dear friend Tami Pittenger, and devoting herself to caring for and raising animals. Susan also cherished fishing, gardening, tending to her beautiful flowers, and excelling as a talented seamstress. She especially treasured the time spent with her best friend of more than 50 years, Sandi Muggleton, creating lasting memories together. Above all, Susan was deeply devoted to the love of her life, Ron Stage. Though she has passed from this world, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and unwavering love, forever regretting only the parting from Ron.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving companion, Ron Stage; children, Timothy Lee (Noriko) Wille of Jacksonville, NC, Wendy Sue Christopherson of Geneseo, and Jonathan Patrick (Stephanie) Wille of Geneseo; grandchildren, Tonii Talia (Chris) Brooks, Alex Wille, Jonathan Wille, Emma Wille, Ryan Wille, Allison Wille, and Joei Jatiana Christopherson; siblings, Lonetta Emerick of Rock Island, Christine (Jeff) Pearson of Moline, and Paul (Twyla) Lindgard of Rock Island; sister-in-law, Sandie Kedrowski of NE; as well as her “adoptive” children, Gen Gordon, Teresa Ward, Robyn Gerhardt, Lauri Graham, and Brad Burris.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Jane Kedrowski; sisters, Kathy Kedrowski and Jeanie Kedrowski; and brothers, Jeff Kedrowski and David Kedrowski.