Denise Ann Lougeay

Denise Ann Lougeay, 69, passed away June 23, 2025. Lougeay was born February 16, 1956 in Belleville, Illinois.

Lougeay lived most of her life in Murphysboro, IL. She was a proud Red Devil and 1974 MTHS graduate where she was involved in many activities and clubs, including Crimson and Corn, Spanish, Speech, Staff, National Forensic League, Thespians, and Prom Steering Committee. She was a cheerleader, letter girl, played powder puff football and was the 1971-72 Pie Eating Champ. She was a teacher’s aide in her younger sister’s kindergarten class. During the 1973 Apple Festival, she won Miss Swimwear and was crowned Apple Festival Queen, wearing a gown that she made herself.

She married James R. Smith on Jan. 15, 1989 in Wickliffe, KY. (d. 2010)

Lougeay had one child, Michelle Fraley, from her first marriage. During her child-rearing years she was a room mother, Brownie troop leader, and sewed all of her daughter’s Halloween costumes and dresses for dances. Her hobbies included upholstery, making custom window treatments, and other DIY projects. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, and canning. She was a wood worker and a jewelry maker. She loved pop culture and antiques and found beauty in all forms of art. She always had a pet and she loved her four-legged friends. She had a huge heart and was a supporter of women and a fighter for equality, always helping a friend in need. She was extremely intelligent and her dream was to be a teacher. In some unorthodox way, she was one.

Professionally, she was co-owner/operator of Murphysboro Sanitation and Carbondale Container Service, and The Bait Shop. She opened Appletown Bakery, Catering, and Deli which evolved into Connections, a bar and event center. After closing Connections, she ventured to Las Vegas, where, as an artistic, creative soul, she worked part time in crafts and fabrics while enjoying the beauty and relaxation of the desert climate. She made many friends in Las Vegas and counted those years as some of the best in her life, enjoying new experiences, fine dining, shows, and concerts.

Lougeay is survived by her daughter Michelle Fraley (Steve Jines), sister, Lisa Blake (Richard), nephew Nick Keller (Katie), and her aunt and uncle, Cathy and Keith Hunter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Shirley and Jean Lougeay, her husband, James R. Smith, and her stepson, Jason R. Smith.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Francis Care or Wright-Way Rescue Shelter.

Denise Lougeay’s life will be celebrated, along with her husband’s, Jim Smith, on July 11, 2025 at Southern Cremation and Burial Services, Murphysboro, Illinois. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by graveside services beginning at 12:00 noon at Murdale Gardens of Memory, Murphysboro.

Ministry of comfort was entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.