Smith Family Funeral Homes

Smith Family Funeral Homes At Smith Family Funeral Homes, we do our best to deliver service beyond expectation and unique to you. It truly is "Our Family Serving Yours"

Whether it is a request to have your loved one taken to the cemetery in a Motorcycle Hearse with a motorcade of Harley's rolling down the street or a balloon release on a golf course with music playing in the background or a traditional church funeral: Smith Family Funeral Homes encourages families to make their funeral service unique to their loved one's life style. If you come to us at the time

of a loved one's death, or if you come to make your own arrangements in advance: we will provide you with services tailored to your needs and desires. Our staff members are people who care: friends and neighbors who are active in your community, that are ready to serve you and your family. Smith Family Funeral Homes are privately owned by Samuel & Carol Smith and are committed to excellent service.

Deborah Kay "Deb" (Myers) Putnam, age 68, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2026, at her home. Visitati...
06/14/2026

Deborah Kay "Deb" (Myers) Putnam, age 68, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2026, at her home.
Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 3:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M.
Deb was born in Alma, Michigan on November 15, 1957, the daughter of Jerry Myers and Joann (Pittman) Cornwell. She was a graduate of Ithaca High School, with the Class of 1976. On November 6, 1976, she married Riley Putnam, her high school sweetheart in Ithaca, MI.
Deb retired from Rite Aid in 2024, after 23 years. She loved her customers and the friends she made over her time with Rite Aid. Prior to Rite Aid, she worked for Precision Plastics for over 20 years. She was an avid Nascar fan until Rusty Wallace retired. Deb loved watching her daytime soaps. Spending time with her friends and family brought her great joy. Deb was honored that she was able to take her whole family recently on a vacation to Florida over New Year. Since retirement, she was able to go on cruises with her friends. Something that made her smile was watching videos of her great-grandson and the biggest smiles when she was with all of her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband Riley Putnam; daughters: Jennifer and Devon Buck; and Amanda and Marc Pitcher; grandchildren: Garison (Kamy) Pitcher, Preston (Paige) Pitcher, Taigan Buck, and Brogan Buck; great-grandson Beckham Pitcher; brother Douglas and Caryn Myers; step-brother Butch Cornwell; brothers-in-law Rick (Trudy) Rob, and Randy Putnam; nieces & nephews: Jill, Jodi (Nick), Carrie, Chris (Nikki), Heather, Kevin (Ashley), and Brittany (Josh); special friends: Susan McRoberts, John and Maggie Ostrander, and Ed and Audrey Westall. Deb was preceded in death by her parents and the father that raised her, Jack Cornwell, her mother and father-in-law Amelia and Robert Putnam, her sister Pamela Petery, and her nephew Travis Myers.
Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.

Duane Harold Thompson, age 86, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026, at University of Michigan Health Wes...
06/13/2026

Duane Harold Thompson, age 86, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026, at University of Michigan Health West, Wyoming, MI.
A Private Graveside Service will be held at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI.
Duane was born in Pompeii, Michigan on May 26, 1940, the son of Harvey Harold and Mildred (Blunt) Thompson. He married Betty Jean Fickies, on May 26, 1962, at Maple Rapids United Methodist Church Parsonage. They were married for sixty-four years, and she survives him.
Duane retired from General Motors in 1993, after working for 26 and a half years. He enjoyed fishing and working outside, mowing lawns and plowing snow. His dogs held a special place in his heart. Duane will be remembered for his kind heart, always willing to help others and his special sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife Betty Thompson; his son Raymond Thompson and Michelle Simpson; his son Robert Thompson and Jenny Howes; grandson Dalton Howes; great-grandson Jasper. Duane was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Raymond, and his sister Donna Geer.
Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.

Dorothy "Joann" Thompson, age 89, of St. Louis, MI, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center i...
06/11/2026

Dorothy "Joann" Thompson, age 89, of St. Louis, MI, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Midland, MI.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Elks Lodge 1400, 610 Warwick Drive Alma, MI, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 12:00 P.M.- 3:00 P.M. She will be laid to rest with her husband, Lloyd Thompson, at Oak Grove Cemetery in St. Louis, MI.
Joann was born in Detroit, MI on October 29, 1936, the daughter of William and Helen (Vanker) Gritzinger. On June 7, 1958, Joann married the love of her life, Lloyd Thompson. They celebrated over 35 years together before his passing in 1994. They spent many winters in Florida, and spent many summers at the lake. Joann and Lloyd built a wonderful life, raising their three children. They will be forever in our hearts!
Joann did many arts and crafts, and spent many hours scrapbooking and working on puzzles. She enjoyed gardening flowers, and never let her grass grow long. She loved to beat you at any kind of card game. Joann was also active in her local bowling league. Most of all, she loved going to her grandkids' events and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her children: Deb (Ron) Steward, Cindy (Dave) Peak, and Robin (Greg) Adams; sister Linda Liechty; and sister-in-law Lois Hastings. Joann is also survived by her grandchildren: Melissa (Steven) Smith, Kenzie (Shawn) Fitzgerald, Paul (Erin) Peak, Becky (Matt) Maliskey, Gregory (Stacey) Adams, Rachael (Sage) DeMull, and Christopher (Karlee) Adams; great-grandchildren: Julia, William, Charley, Addison, Lainey, Chase, Kinley, Emma, Paige, Kade, Kollin, Greer, Lottie, and Ava; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Lloyd Thompson; her parents; siblings Pauline, Elaine, Billy, Bobby, and Ronnie; and in-laws June, Julie, and Archie.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ithaca Senior Center and the St. Louis Fire Department. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.

Calvin David Caesar, age 80, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2026, at his home. Cremation will tak...
06/11/2026

Calvin David Caesar, age 80, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2026, at his home.
Cremation will take place and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Calvin was born in Carson City, Michigan on January 9, 1946, the son of Carl Calvin Caesar and Susan Jane (Thrush) Caesar. He graduated from Carson City High School with the class of 1964 and went on to attend Lansing Community College. Calvin married Nancy Bell Haynes, on June 24, 1967, at the United Methodist Church in St. Johns, MI. They were blessed with 51 years of marriage, prior to her passing on September 16, 2018. He was proud of his work at Oldsmobile where he was part of the ReMan Team and was also a widget maker. He will be remembered for the "Windwalker" he designed and built on his property. He could often be found farming, hunting and tinkering around his garage. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era.
He is survived by his children: Rebecca Caesar of St. Johns, MI; Angela and Wade Drury of St. Johns, MI; and David and Leah Caesar of Ashley, MI; beloved grandchildren: Brianna (Brian) Shull, Jordan Caesar, Nathan Caesar, Alana Drury, and Andrina Drury; great-grandchildren: Amira, Ariya, Kyle, Logan, and Aiden; his siblings: Donald and Karen Caesar of Arizona; and Michael Caesar of Lansing, MI; brother-in-law Denny Reeves of Carson City, MI; his sisters-in-law: Mary VanBurger of St. Johns, MI; and Margaret Caesar of Perrinton, MI. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including special niece Susie (Whoozy) Caesar. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Nancy, siblings: Norma Romanczuk, Patricia Ann, Betty Louise, Joyce Ellen, Naomi Ruth, Faith Annette, Daniel Caesar, James Franklin, Catherine Bell (Kitty), Gary Lynn, and Mary Beth, brother-in-law: Gale VanBurger and sister-in-law Lea Reeves.
Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.

Vern Lee Klassen, age 66, of DeWitt, MI, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2026, at his home. Cremation will take place an...
06/09/2026

Vern Lee Klassen, age 66, of DeWitt, MI, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2026, at his home.
Cremation will take place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Vern was born in Gladwin, Michigan on September 29, 1959, the son of Frank Klassen and Ella Mae (Foote) Klassen. He was raised on a farm near Gladwin and from an early age learned the value of hard work and a virtuous Christian life. Vern graduated from Gladwin High School. He met his future wife Suzanne Bailer shortly after and they married May 28, 1983. He attended Central Michigan University where he obtained his Bachelor's degree in business administration.
He volunteered tirelessly as a swim coach for his children’s swim teams for several years. He also was active in church life. He worked in IT at the State of Michigan for over 30 years, and in retirement enjoyed traveling with his wife. His family was central to everything he did. He was the pillar of his family to his wife, children, and grandchildren, constantly giving of his time, energy, skills, and resources.
Vern expressed love through acts of service. He used his diverse set of skills to fix houses, cars, and many other things. He loved helping others with taxes and managing finances.
He is survived by his wife Suzanne Klassen, children: Heather and Seth Seger, Haley and Joseph Otori, Andrew Klassen, grandchildren: Evangeline and Fletcher Seger and Joy and Grace Otori. He is also survived by his brothers: Toby and JoAnne Klassen, Gary Klassen, and Paul and Beth Klassen, mother-in-law Kay Bailer, brother-in-law Troy Bailer, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Frank, Fred and Aaron Klassen, and Avis Blowers.
Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.

Devin Lawrence Richards, age 38, of Lennon, MI, passed away Monday, June 8, 2026, at his home. Visitation will be he...
06/08/2026

Devin Lawrence Richards, age 38, of Lennon, MI, passed away Monday, June 8, 2026, at his home.
Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes-Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI, on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 2-8 P.M.
Devin was born in Owosso, MI on May 15, 1988. He was the son of Robert Lawrence and Amber Lee (Parks) Richards. He graduated from Ovid-Elsie High School with the Class of 2007, then went on to earn a degree in Diesel Mechanics from the University of Northwestern Ohio.
Devin loved to farm and tinker with machinery. In his younger years, he spent a lot of time outside playing soccer and participating in shooting sports. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and pets.
He is survived by his parents Bob and Amber; his sister Nicole (Jon) Brown; and his partner Courtney Kingsbury. He is also survived by his aunt and uncle Janet and Brian Parmenter; many cousins; and his beloved pets Oreo, Miss, Axel, and Oakley. Devin was preceded in death by his grandparents Joan and Glen Parks, and Bob and Mary Richards.
Memorials may be made to the Shiawassee Humane Society, or the 4-H Shooting Sports of Clinton County. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.

Judy Ann Carter, age 82, of Pewamo, MI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026, in Lithia, Florida surrounded by...
06/04/2026

Judy Ann Carter, age 82, of Pewamo, MI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026, in Lithia, Florida surrounded by the love of her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pewamo, MI, at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, June 12, 2026, with Rev. Fr. Darrel Kempf presiding. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Pewamo, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday at the funeral home.
Judy was born in Lansing, Michigan on December 17, 1943, the daughter of Leonard Llewellan and Lura Ilene (Ayling) Kimber. Judy Ann Kimber developed a love for Jesus and the Catholic faith at a very young age. She graduated from Resurrection High School with honors and married the love of her life, John Lee Carter. Over the years they built a flourishing farm with a home full of children, grandchildren, great-great grandchildren with love and laughter.
Judy’s passion for the love of the Lord and music continued as she became an integral and familiar face at St. Joseph Parish. She participated in many active groups including Guitar Group, RCIA, Cursillo Movement, Veritas, and Alter society. She was a lector for many years and taught grade school Faith Formation and was instrumental in attaining released time from our Public School for that endeavor. During this time, she created lifelong memories and cherished friendships.
She is survived by her daughter Dona and Jeff Keast; daughter Denise and Roger Arnesen, daughter Diana and Jim Giguere, son John and Kelly Carter, daughter Christine and Greg Morey, and son Jack Carter; grandchildren: Tiffany & Mike Ferguson, Kent & Christina Platte, Amanda & Jim Ferguson, Sean Keast & Jera, Renae & Jordan Goodman, Roger & Ashleigh Arnesen, Kyle Klein & Renee, Nick Klein &Willow, Michael Giguere, Nikki Giguere, Seth Carter, Travis Carter, Carter Morey, Havyn Morey, and Knox Morey; great-grandchildren: Ciara & Bryce Weber, Olivia and Alexa Ferguson, Nexton, Herman and Alec Platte, Austin & Dashira Ferguson, Michael, Jayde and Parker Ferguson, Branson, Sawyer, and Grady Goodman, Nelleigh, Nash, and Genevieve Arnesen, and Arlo Klein; great-great-grandchildren: Evelyn, Edynn, and Briggs Weber. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John Carter, grandson Brandon Klein, also her sister Kay Kindy.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.

Yvonne Boice Keiser, age 95, of St. Louis, MI, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. ...
06/03/2026

Yvonne Boice Keiser, age 95, of St. Louis, MI, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at First United Methodist Church, St. Louis, MI, on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 3:00-6:00 P.M. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, St. Louis, MI.
Yvonne was born in Alma, MI on January 13, 1931, the daughter of Arlie Eugene and Jennie L. (Hill) Boice. After her parents passed, Yvonne was raised by her foster parents, William and Frances Fuller. She graduated from St. Louis High School with the class of 1949. In high school, Yvonne worked as a dental assistant. Then she went on to work for the License Bureau in Alma that was located in the Western Auto Store where she also assisted. On December 30, 1949, Yvonne married William Dallas Keiser at the First United Methodist Church of St. Louis. They were married 47 years prior to Bill's passing on their 47th anniversary.
In 1943, at the age of 12, Yvonne joined the First United Methodist Church in St. Louis, and was a member for over 80 years. She even dedicated 18 years as a devoted secretary to the church. She was involved in many other aspects of the church ministry and loved her church family. At the time of her passing she was their longest living member.
Yvonne was also a dedicated Detroit Tigers fan, and loved her backyard animals, especially Hermie the Squirrel. One of her favorite things to do was correct the local newspapers' grammar and do the crossword puzzle every Sunday.
She is survived her children: Karen Lewandowski, of Farwell, MI; Scott (Sheila) Keiser, of Greensboro, NC; Kenneth Keiser, of St. Louis, MI; and Matthew (Bonnie) Keiser of Lake Isabella, MI; sister Joan Mulder; grandchildren: Kim, Jodi, Andi, Stephanie, Ashley, Mason, Chase, and Richie; and great-grandchildren: Katie, Clara, Dottie, and Scott. She was preceded in death by her parents, foster parents William and Frances Fuller, husband Bill, infant sister Loma Boice, seven siblings: Marian Dillard, William Boice, Lawrence "Buster" Boice, Wyoma White, Jean Lewis, Phyllis Case, and Eldora Essex.
Memorials may be made to Dalis to the Rescue www.dalistotherescue.com. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.

UPDATED WITH SERVICE INFORMATION!!Troy Samuel Bearden, age 28, of Guntown, Mississippi, (originally from Ashley, MI) pas...
06/03/2026

UPDATED WITH SERVICE INFORMATION!!

Troy Samuel Bearden, age 28, of Guntown, Mississippi, (originally from Ashley, MI) passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at his home.
A Celebration of Life will be held at North Star Township Hall, Ithaca, MI, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 1:00-4:00 P.M.
Troy was born on May 13, 1996, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Samuel C. and Penny (Drummond) Bearden. Troy was a 2014 graduate of Fulton High School. He then attended Ferris State University and graduated with a degree as a welding engineer. After graduation, he relocated to Mississippi where he established his home and career.
Troy enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, and fishing, and the companionship of his beloved dog, Gus. He also enjoyed traveling back home to Michigan, where he spent his time visiting family and close friends.
Troy is survived by his father Samuel Bearden and Michelle Penner; his paternal aunts and uncles: Shirley & Luke Tonneberger, Linda Bearden, and Ronald & Melissa Bearden; and many cousins. He is also survived by his maternal uncle and aunt, Jim & Angie Drummond, and their children: Noah, Aaron, Logan, Ellie, Lane, Mason, and Natalie; and maternal grandparents, Owen & Jeanne Drummond, who will certainly miss their firstborn grandson. He also leaves behind many other family members and close friends. We will all miss, Troy dearly. Troy was preceded in death by his mother in 2021; his grandparents, Ronald & Erma Bearden, and aunt, Becky Griffith.
Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.

UPDATED WITH SERVICE LOCATION!!!! Patty Lou Reeves, age 93, of Ithaca, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2...
06/02/2026

UPDATED WITH SERVICE LOCATION!!!!

Patty Lou Reeves, age 93, of Ithaca, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, at Arbor Grove Assisted Living, Alma, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca Chapel, Ithaca, MI, on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. Burial will take place at Ithaca Cemetery, Ithaca, MI. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. and on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.
Born on February 10, 1933, in Alma, Patty was the daughter of Harold and Kathryn (Knelly) Boody. A proud member of the Ithaca High School Class of 1951, she married her high school sweetheart, J.B. Reeves, on October 26, 1952, at the United Methodist Church in Ithaca. Together they shared 45 years of marriage before J.B.'s passing in 1998.
Patty began her career as a key punch operator at Michigan Chemical and later held clerical positions with the Ithaca Extension Office, the Gratiot County Courthouse, and Sparrow Hospital's Patient Equipment Locker. Alongside her professional work, she devoted herself to raising three daughters, managing her household, and serving as the bookkeeper for the family’s Reeves Drainage business.
Family was always at the heart of Patty’s life. She was a dedicated Girl Scout and 4-H leader, faithfully supporting her daughters in their many activities. She found joy in golfing, bowling, gardening, sewing, baking, and cooking. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, where family and friends gathered to enjoy her hospitality, delicious meals, and laughter. Nothing brought her greater happiness than time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her loving heart, beautiful smile, and quick wit will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Patty is survived by her daughters, Cinda Reeves-Snyder and Mike Snyder of Wilsonville, Oregon; Lisa Droste and Rob Beyersdorf of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Lou Anne and Richard Tucker of Ithaca, Michigan. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Nick Droste, Logan (Ximena) Droste, Drew (Amanda) Tucker, Carly Tucker, Erin (Constantin) Severe, and Ethan Snyder (Vanessa Henning); great-grandchildren: Brayden, Demi, Jordan, Helena, and Ruthie; her sister, Janet Eichorn of Lansing; sisters-in-laws: Dora Boody, Jackie Boody, Phyllis and (Wayne) Henney, Judy Moomey-Brown, and Millie Reeves; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband J.B., and her brothers, Melvin and Mervin Boody.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Arbor Grove Assisted Living for the compassionate care Patty received during her four years there. Special thanks are given to Melanie (“Mel”) for her devoted care, positive encouragement, and the joy and laughter she brought to Patty’s days, and to Gina and The Hospice Care Team for their kindness and support.
Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Grove Assisted Living or the Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences may be made at smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.

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221 E Main Street
Elsie, MI
48831

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+19898624311

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