Christine Arden Smith

With great respect and honor we share the passing of Christine Arden Smith on December 8th, 2025. Born January 27th, 1940 in Alton, Illinois she was 4th in line to 12 brothers and sisters.

Married to Clifford Achenbach, she had one daughter, Kimberly Catlin Hale.

Her life was one big amazing adventure, and after the death of her husband, raised her child as a single Mom, supporting them with her entrepreneurial spirit.

She was the first woman supervisor in a Power Plant in the 70s, owned her own Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios, and loved being a realtor building a real estate portfolio of her own.

She was lovable, kind, generous, and adored being with and serving her friends and those around her. Without trying, she was many times the center of attention, and had plenty of great stories to share.

Always a collector of books, she amassed a huge library of over 2000 titles many of them historical, and filled with one of a kind publications.

She was self-made, beautiful, and a sweet soul to everyone around her. If you wish to honor her -be kind and give a smile today to someone you greet. That would be the best gift of all in her name. 🎁💝

If you wish to share a story about Christine, please reach out to the family at 574-220-0649. They would love to hear from you. Blessings 🙏🏼