Katherine Smith

Katherine M. Smith, age 82, of Stanton, formerly of Sidney and Vestaburg, passed away Thursday morning, November 7, 2019 at Spectrum Health-Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids after a brief illness. The daughter of William H. & Edith (Weatherby) Johnston, she was born on January 20, 1937 in Stanton. On October 21, 1953, in Lansing, she married Earl E. "Bill" Smith, Sr., and together they raised five children and enjoyed 39 years of marriage until Bill passed away on August 30, 1992. Katherine retired from Hitachi Products in Edmore and most recently attended the First Congregational Church of Stanton. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and delighted in time spent with her family... especially camping and trips to the casino. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Earl "Bill" Smith, Sr.; an infant son, Leonard Smith; three brothers, Kenneth "Bud" Johnston, Andrew Johnston, and Clarence "Cookie" Johnston; her sister, Arlene "Peg" Cable; and her companion of the past twenty-four years, William M. "Bill" Miller on January 10, 2019. Surviving are her children, Colene & Allen E. Ryckman, Sr. of Greenville, Earl E. "Bill" & Dawn Smith, Jr. of Saranac, Montie & Dian Smith of Riverdale, Gladys & Steve Oliver of Vestaburg, and Lyman & Carol Smith of Vestaburg; a sister, Mary Fisk of Vestaburg; her grandchildren, Allen E. "Buster" & Beth (Hassenzahl) Ryckman, Jr., Russell W. "Rusty" Jerome, Joni & Robert Christiansen, Kathy & Joshua Fair, Montie & Tiffany Smith, Heather & Ryan Zeigler, Jennifer & Matthew Walrath, Holly Smith & Stacy Collins, Justin & Michelle Smith, Dr. Tristan & Drew Davis, Billi Jo & Jeremy Hartman, and Chasta & Ben Langworthy; many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; siblings-in-law, Charles "Chuck" & Maudine Smith, JoAnne & Lewis Nielsen, Carl & Sandra Smith, Jerry "Duke" Smith, Alena Kimball, and Donna Smith; the family of her longtime companion, William "Bill" Miller; and several special nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation is from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, 2019 at Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville. Honoring Katherine's wishes, no formal services will be held and burial will take place privately at McBride Cemetery. Katherine enjoyed beautiful flowers, and always reminded family to bring them when she was alive to enjoy them...not after she was gone. Therefore, to respect her wishes and support her love of animals, the family suggests contributions in her memory to The Humane Society of Mid Michigan. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Katherine Smith, please visit our flower store.