Smith Family Funeral Homes

11/07/2025

11/06/2025

Marlene Sue Little, age 77, of St. Louis, MI, passed away Thursday, November 6, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center - Midland, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Community Baptist Church - Alma, at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, November 14, 2025, with Pastor Randy Brandon officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, St. Louis, MI at a later date.
Marlene was born in Warren County, MI on July 14, 1948, the daughter of Arthur W. Hall and Emmaline M. (Canouts) Hall. She graduated from St. Louis High School with the class of 1966. Marlene married Orville Little on July 23, 1966, in St. Louis, MI.
Marlene started working for Mutual Savings in St. Louis in 1983 and retired from First Bank after many years of service. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, baking, shopping, and attending and singing in local jamborees. Marlene loved camping trips with family all over Michigan, where she enjoyed family bonding around the campfire and pizza making. She was also a home interior designer dealer. She attended Community Baptist Church in Alma.
She is survived by her husband Orville Little; sons: Jeffrey (Alisha) Little, Michael (Becca) Little, and Aaron (Jennifer) Little; her grandchildren: Samantha (Shawn), Sarah (Dylan), Cameron, Konner, Kaleb, Garrett, Lucas and Ella. She is also survived by her siblings: Sandy Tester, Donald Hall, Ronald (Sandy) Hall, sister-in-law MaryAnn Livingston and special niece Dawn Hudson. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters: Pat Tester, Phyllis (Rich) Hudson, sister-in-law Lee Hall and brother-in-law Ray Tester.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Community Cabinet Alma, MI or the Community Baptist Church Missions. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.

11/06/2025

George Kenneth “Ken” Austin age 91 of Laingsburg, MI, passed away Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Memorial Healthcare, Owosso, MI.
A Memorial Service will be held at United Church of Ovid, on Saturday November 22, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the United Church of Ovid. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. A luncheon will be held at the church following services.
Ken was born in Ovid, Michigan on November 2, 1934, the son of George Kenneth and Josephine Louisa (Woodworth) Austin. He was a proud Spartan, attending Michigan State University and graduating with bachelors in Agriculture. On July 19, 1980, Ken married Shirley Ann (Walling) Austin at United Church of Ovid. They were blessed with forty-three years of marriage; prior to her passing on October 18, 2023.
Ken worked at Great Lakes Hybrids in Ovid for over 30 years before he retired as a district manager. When he wasn't working, Ken loved spending summers on Lake Victoria, and winters on Mustang Island in Texas with Shirley. He was also a long time member of United Church of Ovid since 1945. Above all, Ken enjoyed being with his family, watching Michigan State Spartans sports, and attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's sports, and activities. He was an excellent caretaker, father, step-father, husband, and grandfather. His wisdom, generosity, and kindness will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his children: DeEtta (Jesse) Patrick of Port Charlotte, FL; Nanette Leodler of Ashley, MI; Holly Austin of Laingsburg, MI; Kim (Diane) Winkler of Traverse City, MI; Kristi (Bryon) Taylor of Bannister, MI; and Kenda (David) Ladd of Fruitport, MI; his siblings: Marge Parmenter, Carol (Larry) Bashore, David (Bunny) Austin, Donald (Kathleen) Austin, and Ronald (Carole) Austin; and brother-in-law Lyle Clark. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his parents, his step-mother Edna Austin, and siblings: Dorothy (Patrick) McCarthy, and Bruce (Judi) Austin, and two step-sisters: Janice (Frank) Kirinovic, and Ann Clark.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Church of Ovid, 131 West Front Street, Ovid, MI 48866. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.

11/05/2025

Donald Lee “Don” Loomis, age 78, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center - Midland, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, November 10, 2025, with Pastor Rex Webb officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 4-8 P.M and Monday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Donald was born in Clare, Michigan on July 17, 1947, the son of William and Ruth (Hopkins) Loomis. He attended Breckenridge Schools. Don retired from Fisher Body after 32 years of service.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping as well as riding motorcycles and ATVs. He was a talented musician and wrote many songs and recorded many CDs. Don loved singing for the Lord and played with the Bluegrass Revival as well as several other gospel singing groups. He was inducted into the Michigan Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years Sue (Furiat) Loomis; his son Michael Loomis; his sister Naomi Fahrenkrug; his brothers: Dave and Vickie Loomis, Paul and Brenda Loomis, Tim and Beverly Loomis, and Mark Loomis; his granddaughter Korey and Chris Mayes. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin sister Donna Vee, and his son Stephan Loomis.
Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.

11/02/2025

We wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who stopped by our Open House event today! Your support means the world to us, and we couldn't be more grateful for the warm welcome we've received as we embark on this new chapter here in Alma.

11/01/2025

Frank Samuel "Sam" Andrews, Jr., age 87, of Perrinton, Michigan, passed away with his family by his side Friday, October 31, 2025, at Laurels of Carson City, Carson City, Michigan.
A Celebration of Sam's Life will be held at Little Patch of Heaven, 4962 Mt. Hope Rd., Carson City, Michigan, at 12:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, with Pastor Reid Martin officiating Burial will take place at Payne Cemetery, Fulton Twp., Michigan, at a later date. Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until time of the service at the venue.
Frank was born in St. Johns, Michigan on October 6, 1938, the son of Frank Samuel and Elizabeth (Baker) Andrews. He graduated from Fulton High School, with the Class of 1956. Sam was a hard worker. He worked at several different places prior to hiring in at Oldsmobile where he worked 43 years before retiring in 1999. On February 23, 1957, Sam married Marilyn Kay Baney in Crystal Lake, Michigan with her father officiating. They have been blessed with sixty-eight years of marriage.
Sam was a craftsman. He built his own home, motor homes, and dune buggies. He restored several antique cars. He helped Lonnie build his first dune buggy. Sam was "King of the Hill" at Silver Lake Dunes. He enjoyed trail riding all over the West. Sam and Marilyn built a home in Florida where they wintered for the last 20 years. Sam loved music and dancing. He liked to dance with his family.
Most of all Sam loved his family and spending time with them.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn, three children: Linda Cumberworth, Lori (Randy) Whitford, and Lonnie (Lisa) Andrews; six grandchildren: Chassity (Shannon) Glinke, Craig Cumberworth, Rhonda (Jason) Morgan, Roxanne (Brandon) Podolak, Ryan (Beth) Andrews, and Ben (Julie) Andrews; fifteen great-grandchildren, brother James "Jake" (Jean) Andrews, sister-in-law Jayne Baney, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant grandson Clifford Andrews, grandson Cory Cumberworth, and brothers- and sisters-in-law: Jack (Gloria) Baney, Dinah (Don) McCracken, Mike Baney, Phil Baney, and Esteline Baney.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.

11/01/2025

Janet J. Davis, age 85, of Ithaca, Michigan, passed away Friday, October 31, 2025, at Legacy Adult Foster Care, Ithaca, Michigan.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with Pastor Thomas Ball officiating. Burial will take place at Fritz Cemetery, Ithaca, Michigan. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Janet was born in Owosso, Michigan on June 10, 1940, the daughter of William and Ruth (Patten) Block. She attended school at Corunna High School. On May 18, 1984, she married Ronnie Davis at their home in Ithaca, Michigan. They were blessed with thirty-one years of marriage prior to his passing on January 30, 2016.
Janet worked at Marlins Grocery in Middleton, Michigan for many years as the meat cutter. She then went to work for Helman's Market in Alma until she retired. Janet enjoyed bowling and was an avid golfer, winning the league championship for several years. Janet was an excellent cook and loved to provide for other people. In the fall, she canned everything that she could. Janet was a child care provider for her grandchildren and loved watching her children and grandchildren in their sporting events. Watching her soaps and going shopping were fun events for her.
She is survived by her children: Kelly and Pastor Tom Ball, Jill Moore, Paula Baldwin, Kim and LuAnn Diffin, Gary and Julie Moore, Christopher Helms and Erica Aasved, and Libby and Gary Strpko. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and her brother, Larry Tepatti. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Leona McLaren, her brother Bill Block, and her daughter Tammie Davis.
Memorials may be made to Gratiot County Commission on Aging, 515 S. Pine River St. Ithaca, Michigan. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.

10/31/2025

Stanley “Stan” Gerald Divish, age 95, of St. Johns, MI, left to be with our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center, Alma, MI surrounded by his loving family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Burial with Military Honors will take place at Mount Rest Cemetery, St. Johns MI.
Stanley was born in Middleton, MI on September 10, 1930. He was the son of Steven and Emma (Komora) Divish. He graduated from Fulton High School, Middleton, MI. He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. On April 11, 1953, he married the love of his life, Mary (Chapko) Divish in Ithaca, MI. In April of this year, they celebrated 72 wonderful years of marriage.
Stanley worked for Midland Ross in Owosso, MI for 26 years until its closing. He retired from Spartan Nash in Charlotte, MI at the age of 65. He was a long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, MI. Stanley enjoyed golfing, deer hunting, Scrabble, and playing cards. He loved to watch any type of sports in person or on TV. Reading the newspaper from front to back was one of his favorite pastimes (sometimes multiple times a day)!
He and Mary loved to take long drives in the countryside looking at the beautiful scenery. He and Mary also loved to spend part of their winter months in Gulf Shores, AL, where they enjoyed time there with many close friends. Family was everything to Stanley. His greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. You could always find him on the sidelines watching his granddaughters participate in various sporting events and dance recitals. He was their biggest fan. In his later years, he found joy in watching and playing with his granddaughter’s puppies, Rigby and Phoebe, during cherished family visits.
He is survived by his beloved wife Mary Divish; his two daughters: Carolyn Throckmorton of Richmond, VA; and Sandra Fox of DeWitt, MI; one son Charles Divish of Ashley, MI, four grandchildren: Jeannie Reveley, Johnny (Sara) Throckmorton, Lindsey (Ron Bailey) Fox, Kimberly (Tony Mazur) Fox; and four great-grandchildren: Gabrielle, Scarlett, Audrey, and Camryn. He is also survived by his brother Robert Divish of Eagle, MI; and his sister in-law Mildred Chapko of Elsie, MI. Many loving nieces and nephews also survive him. He was predeceased by his parents, 4 brothers, 6 sisters, and his son-in laws: Buddie Throckmorton and Steve Olinger.
The family would like to thank Masonic Pathways of Alma, MI for their wonderful care and support of Stanley.
Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes-Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.

10/31/2025

Douglas Lyle Sabin, age 64 of Sumner, MI, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at his home.
Cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life will be held at a later date in accordance with his wishes.
Doug was born on July 11, 1961, the son of Francis and Donna (Wineland) Sabin. He graduated from Pewamo-Westphalia High School, and later went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in chemistry. Doug served in the US Army from 1983 to 1987. He married Kelli Jo Fellows, on December 22, 1984. They were blessed with 38 years of marriage prior to her passing on June 22, 2023.
Doug enjoyed learning about all things history and fi****ms and was always up for a visit to a local gun show or some target practice with friends or family. He toured museums with loved ones in his free time, especially those focused on military history. Doug spent his retirement lovingly caring for his daughter, Mariah.
He is survived by his children: Doug (Janelle) Sabin, Lydia (Sean) Leahy, Emily (Levi) Parr, and Mariah Sabin; his grandchildren: Lillian and Benjamin Sabin and Mara Leahy; and his siblings: Shelly Danielson and Lynn Sabin. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Kelli.
Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.

10/30/2025

Pamela Jean Miller, age 73, of St. Louis, MI, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Opal Senior Living, Lake Park, FL.
A Graveside Service will be held at Chapel Garden Cemetery, Alma, MI, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 1:00 P.M.
Pam was born in Alma, MI on March 27, 1952, the daughter of William R. and Marian (Burnham) Miller. She attended school in St. Louis, MI, where she made lifelong friends, and graduated from St. Louis High School, in 1970. She went on to Ferris State University, and earned her Associates Degree in 1972.
Pam returned to St. Louis and worked with her father at Miller Harley Davidson. When her father passed away, she managed the business until it was later sold. She then followed in her mother’s footsteps, working at several law offices, and worked there until her retirement.
Pam enjoyed her home, and always had a plan for a new home improvement. She loved her pets, Harley and Callie, and enjoyed being a homebody, watching The Golden Girls on TV, and having friends over for visits.
She is survived by her extended family, and her trusted friends, and caregivers, the 3 B’s: Barb Benton, Becky Leonard, and Brenda Reinsmith; also her forever helpful friend, Marilyn Fenby, who always came to her aid, and “the daughter she never had”, Denise Weatherby. Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Marian Miller, and her brother Bob Miller.
In lieu of flowers, Pam requested that memorials may be made to Dalis to the Rescue, 303 Valley Avenue, Alma, MI 48801. Online condolences may be made www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.

10/30/2025

Armand Dean “Bub” Shinabery, age 90 of Mt. Pleasant and Laingsburg, passed away at Maple Ridge Manor in Lowell, MI on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from the end stages of dementia after a fairly rapid decline in the last year.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at Clark Family Funeral Chapel in Mt. Pleasant on Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Food will be provided and there will be a time for sharing stories and memories of Bub, starting at 12:30. Casual attire is requested. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Bub’s honor to Dementia Institute, 2100 Raybrook St SE Suite 303, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel, or you can make a direct donation: https://dementia-institute.org/donate-now/
Bub was born on March 2, 1935, in St. Johns to parents Derrill and Laura (Cox) Shinabery. He was united in marriage to Sally Ann Watson in Mt. Pleasant on August 18, 1956.
After graduating from high school, Bub began his working life at Oldsmobile before starting a long and rewarding career with Chicago Bridge & Iron (CB&I). As a welder, he helped build water towers and storage tanks in communities across the Midwest and beyond, traveling with his family from job to job. In those early years, they lived in a house trailer that Bub pulled from town to town until David was in fourth grade and Danny in seventh. After which, Sally and the boys settled in Mt. Pleasant while Bub continued to travel to job sites, returning home for the weekends.
Over the years, Bub worked on a wide range of projects, including refinery storage tanks, nuclear containment vessels in Wisconsin, and a NASA project in Sandusky, Ohio, where he served as a welding inspector.
During one project in New Jersey, a fellow crew member (Jerry Shults -former Navy submariner) arranged for the team to tour a nuclear submarine in Groton, Connecticut—an experience Bub always cherished. One memorable summer took the family to Beulah, North Dakota, where he helped build an LNG facility for a coal gasification plant. Kim, Mom, and Bub stayed at Lake Sakakawea in the family van, while David slept in a tent —just one of many adventures from Bub’s life on the road. He retired from CB&I after a long career, and proof that he must have been a cat with 9 lives from surviving such a dangerous job.
Bub was a member of the Masons lodge in Alma. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, woodworking, riding his Harley, and being on the water. He was just shy of earning his full pilot’s license and was passionate about flying. He loved card games and was an expert euchre player. Bub loved children and babies, and was known for being the fun-loving family jokester. He was outgoing and playful; he never met a stranger.
Bub will be missed dearly by those surviving him, his children: Danny (Paulette) Shinabery of Alto, David Shinabery (Kathy Hendershot) of Mt. Pleasant, and Kim (Tim) Wetherbee of Lowell, grandchildren Darci Wilson, Mandie Cotter, Michael Shinabery, Philip Wetherbee and Taylor Wetherbee, great grandchildren Aleisha, Kole, Avery, Beau, Bella, Wyatt and Lilly, his twin sister, Marcia (Jim) Case of Eaton Rapids, sister Connie Mack of MN, special niece Kathy Hollister of Wisconsin and his significant other, Joanne Decker of Laingsburg, her children: Barry, Sherry and Theresa, grandchildren: Zach, Jovonnah, Curtis and Miranda, and great grandchildren. Bub was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Shinabery, daughter Diana Lynn, his parents, and two sisters; Vangy Kilday and Gwen Truax. Sally’s brothers Jim, Roger and Bob Watson, sister Charlene Merrihew and Sally’s parents Lloyd and Edna Watson.
The family would like to extend a very heartfelt thank-you to the compassionate staff of Maple Ridge Manor for their exceptional care during Bub’s time there. They cared deeply for Bub, and it showed.
Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes-Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.