Smith Family Funeral Homes

07/30/2025

Avis Arlene (Andrews) Ginther, age 98 years, passed away peacefully at Legacy AFC in Ithaca, MI on Monday, July 28, 2025.
She was the third of 11 children born to Paul and Beulah (Watkins) Andrews on the family farm in Pompeii, Michigan, March 8, 1927. On April 18, 1947, she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Jack Ginther. He preceded her in death September 30, 2024, after over 77 years of marriage.
Avis is survived by her sons Larry (Susan) and Mike (Cheryl) Ginther all of Elkhart, IN; and four grandchildren, Cara (Ryan) Sample, Erin (Jason) Gibbs, Glenda Ginther, and Jack Ginther. She also leaves six great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters: Doris (Lionel) Bower and Joan (Stan) Oserowsky; and her brothers: Leo and John (Martha) Andrews, and as well as a host of nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to her parents and husband, Avis was predeceased by her sisters: Kathleen Humm and Mary Miller; and by her brothers: Teddy, Bob, Bill, and Art Andrews.
Avis was a “hometown girl” who lived her 98 years in the Ithaca area. She had many talents and interests. She was an accomplished golfer, winning many central Michigan area tournaments. Avis was a voracious reader, a talented watercolor artist, seamstress, quilter and fiber artist. She also loved gardening, animals, and nature. She was always up for a card game, and in later years there was usually a picture puzzle in progress on the dining room table. Family gatherings in Ithaca and visits to Indiana were always on her calendar. Her door was always open to family, neighbors, and friends who often stopped by.
For many years, Avis delivered Food for Friends and, along with Jack, were pillars of the Ithaca Senior Activities Building from its inception. (She was known for the countless costumes she made for Jack and herself to wear to parties and events there.)
A Memorial Service celebrating Avis’ long life will take place at Smith Family Funeral Homes, 1333 East Center Street, Ithaca, MI, 48847 on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. with longtime friend Jo Jones will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the funeral home from 12:00 P.M until the time of the service. A reception at the Senior Activities Building, 1011 E. North Street, Ithaca, will immediately follow her memorial.
The family would like to especially thank the staff (Shelly, Chelsea, and Betty) at Legacy AFC for caring for Avis over the last year and a half. Thank you too, to the many friends and family who visited her at Legacy throughout her time there.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in her memory to the Ithaca Senior Activities Building 1011 East North Street Ithaca, MI 48847, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.

07/29/2025

Ivan Lee Wardwell, age 91, of Elsie, MI, passed away Monday, July 28, 2025, at his daughters home.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI, at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, August 1, 2025, with Pastor Mona Kindel officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday from 2:00 P.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Ivan was born in New Haven Township, Michigan on October 7, 1933, the son of Carl Ishmeal and Retha Calhoun (Forester) Wardwell. Ivan married Doris Loretta Bates on November 2, 1957, in Saginaw County, Michigan. Doris passed away on April 19, 2016.
Ivan retired from contracting and went to work as a handyman at the Cobb Centennial Farm in Elsie for many years. Ivan looked forward to walking his dog Deli around town twice a day. He will be remembered for always putting his family first. Ivan proudly served his country in the United States Army.
He is survived by his daughter Lesia Hebeler; his grandchildren: Jodie (David) Cottrell, and Michael (Nina) Hebeler; his brothers: Ronald (Billie) Wardwell, and William (Sue) Wardwell, his sister Anna (Jim) Bendes, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, daughter Jayne, grandson Jessie James Hebeler, sister Charlotte "Jean" Neff, and brother Larry Wardwell.
Memorials may be made to the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center, Saginaw, Michigan. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.

07/28/2025

In Loving Memory of Thomas William Kamp
October 14, 1954 – July 24, 2025
Thomas William Kamp, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Born on October 14, 1954, to Ed James Kamp and Kathleen Cecelia Kamp (Spedowski), Tom lived a life marked by strength, dedication, and deep love for those around him.
A proud graduate of Big Rapids High School, Tom was well-known on the football field for wearing number 42 and for his unmatched grit and determination. His courage and perseverance inspired his teammates and reflected the way he lived every part of his life.
Tom retired from General Motors and also co-owned Kamp’s Catering, a business he helped run for 31 years. After retiring from General Motors, he continued his entrepreneurial journey as the owner of TK Stump Grinding for 15 years. He also spent three years running the Sleepy Hollow State Park bait shop and boat rentals, combining his work ethic with his love of the outdoors.
Rarely idle, Tom was always outside, fixing or working on something. If a project turned into a bigger job, his sons, Kasey and Chancey were quick to lend a hand, and of course, Paula was always there to help clean up the mess afterward, thank you mom!
Tom is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Paula Kamp; his sons, Kasey and Chancey, daughter-in-law’s: Jen and Heather and his cherished granddaughters: Camille, Gia, and Ava. He also leaves behind his siblings Sandra (Kamp) Hays and Brent Hays, Paula (Kamp) Schultz, Sally (Kamp) Smith and Blair Smith, Edward and Michele (Edwards) Kamp, along with many beloved nieces and nephews, and let us not forget Lucky, the chicken he loved and who brought him joy every day.
Tom’s legacy is one of unwavering work ethic, strength, and love for his family. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in every project finished, every family gathering, and every story told.
Please join us honoring Thomas William Kamp’s life on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at 6770 Alward Road, Laingsburg, MI 48848, (Reed Cemetery) for the funeral. Casual attire is welcome, just as Tom would’ve liked it. A luncheon will be provided following the service at the Victor Township Hall, 6843 Alward Road, Laingsburg, MI 48848 and all who knew and loved Tom, are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Greater Lansing Food Bank or Heartland Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.

07/25/2025

Joyce Mae Carpenter, age 89, of Alma, Michigan, passed away Thursday, July 24, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center - Gratiot, Alma, MI
Per Joyce's wishes, a cremation has taken place and there will be no services. Burial will take place at Ithaca Cemetery, Ithaca, MI at a later date.
Joyce was born in Hamilton Township, MI on March 19, 1936, the daughter of Adolphas Alvin and Lucile Mae (Prevost) Peet. She resided in Ithaca for the majority of her life. Joyce liked her independence, and quilting. She made many friends at Tartan Terrace Apartments during the last 10 years. They enjoyed her love of cooking and baking.
She is survived by four children: Darlene (Mark) Kraus of Ithaca, MI; Dan (Julie) Evitts of Ithaca, MI; Doug Kimmel of Ithaca, MI; and Christina Valleau of Knoxville, TN; daughter-in-law Ronda Peet; her grandchildren: Brittany, Emily, Matt, Olivia, Sara, Jameson, and John; several great- grandchildren; her sister Joan Abell; her sister-in-law Sharon Peet; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sons: Bob Peet and David Evitts, her granddaughter Heather Wilbur, her brothers: Richard (Marie) Peet, Roger Peet, and Adolphas Peet, Jr.
Memorials may be made to Dalis to the Rescue or to the American Kidney Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.

07/23/2025

James Alan Kramer, age 69, of Machesney Park, IL, formerly of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI, at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
James was born in St. Johns, MI on August 4, 1955, the son of Alan Edward and Therese Mary (Feldpausch) Kramer. He graduated from Fowler High School with the class of 1973.
James worked for MDOT for 25 years, retiring in 2014. He was a classic car enthusiast and enjoyed restoring many classic cars. James was a member of many classic car clubs and enjoyed going to car shows over the years. He served his country in the U.S. Navy. James volunteered his time helping with Meals on Wheels. He did like to cook and bake, James was known for his cookies, lemon cream pies, cheesy potatoes, baked beans, and grilling. He will always be remembered for his kind heart, colorful personality and caring for family and friends when they came to visit. His cat, Shadow was very dear to his heart.
He is survived by his daughter Amanda DeHaven, of North Branch, MN; his grandchildren: Abbie, Lillie and Joey; his sister Judy and Jim Gormley of Dorr, MI; his brother Steve Kramer of Fowler, MI; his brother Ken and Alice Kramer of Pewamo, MI; many nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald Kramer, and his sister-in-law Elaine Kramer.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.

07/21/2025

UPDATED WITH SERVICE INFORMATION:

Daniel Emmert "Dan" Lentz, age 73, of St. Louis, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center, Midland, Michigan.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bethany Township Hall, 9958 North Blair Road Breckenridge, MI, on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 P.M.
Daniel was born in Alma, Michigan on June 13, 1952, the son of Emmert Dale and Carol Clara (Fox) Lentz. He was a diehard Shark and graduated from St. Louis High School with the Class of 1970. On September 26, 2022, Dan married Shelly in Harrison, Michigan.
Dan should have been a shareholder in Smith and Wesson. He loved anything to do with guns and hunting. He enjoyed going to Wyoming prairie dog hunting with his dear friends, shooting bowling pins and the 22 League in Elm Hall. He spent many years enjoying Higgins Lake with his family. He always looked forward to his trips to the UP. As a GM parts guy, he made many friends at the body shops he visited across the area. Dan's final act of caring was to bless others through the act of donation through Gift of Life Michigan.
He is survived by his wife Shelly; his daughter Michelle (Craig) Emily; his grandson Wyatt Emily; his sister Diane Althaus, his brother-in-law Steve (Debbie) Matthews; 2 nieces: Kara (Jay) Wagoner, and Chelsea Fox; one nephew Wes Althaus; his bonus children: Shawn (Jeff) Larry, Aaron (LaRae) Gager, Travis (Laurie) Gager, Alan (Stacey) Decker, and Matthew Decker; and many bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Dawn Denny, his brother-in-law Steve Althaus, and his bonus son Ty Decker.
Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.

07/21/2025

Ricky Lee Hart, age 41, of Ionia, MI, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Ricky’s life was a beautiful reflection of love, laughter, and light. He is survived by his devoted life partner, Andrew Waterman, with whom he shared a deep and abiding love. He is also lovingly remembered by his mother, Susan (Mark) Pratl; siblings, Amy Mercer (Robert Blackwell), Melissa Hart, Anna (Otto) Harrison, Emily (DJ) Diffin, Duane Hart; and by his extended family, mother-in-law Cindy (Giovanni) Guzman, father-in-law Tab (Michelle) Waterman, and siblings-in-law Stephanie (Miah) Lehman, Josh (Nancy) Guzman, and Soraya Guzman.
Ricky was a proud and fun-loving uncle to many nieces and nephews: Robin, Kyle, Chelsea, Alyana, Gabriella, Adrianne, Selena, Ashley, Larry, Ava, Weston, Oliver, Jack, Ava, Blakely, and Baylor. He was also blessed to be surrounded by the love of his grandmothers, Barb Hurlbut and Judy Waterman, along with countless cousins and cherished friends who were like family.
Born in Lansing, MI, to Susan Pratl and Ricky A. Hart and raised in St. Johns, Ricky graduated from St. Johns High School in 2002. He was active in theater and choir, where his natural charisma and joyful spirit shone brightly. Ricky carried those gifts into adulthood, always ready with a joke, a spot-on impersonation, or a warm smile that could light up any room.
Ricky served as the General Manager of a local Speedway, where he not only ran a successful store but made lasting connections with his customers and staff. He had a heart for people and a gift for making everyone feel seen and valued.
One of Ricky’s proudest moments was purchasing a home with Andrew—their sanctuary and a symbol of the life they built together. He found joy in the simple things: camping under the stars, movie nights at home, fishing at his favorite spots, tending to his garden, and spending time with his beloved Chihuahua, Emma.
Ricky’s vibrant personality, contagious laugh, and love for life will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was the kind of person who made others feel like family—and once you were his, you were his forever.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Elizabeth Pratl, Joy and Douglas Hart; his uncle, Randy Lee Hart; his aunt, Debbie Harvey; his cousin, Douglas Harvey; and his dear friend, Brandon Barrix.
Ricky will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever celebrated.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 2-8 P.M the family will be present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.

07/21/2025

Elsie Althea Smith, age 96, of St. Johns, MI, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025, at Grace Haven Assisted Living, St. Johns, MI.
A cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI, at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Grace Haven Assisted Living Memory Care Unit, 1507 Glastonbury Drive, St. Johns, MI 48879. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.

A full obituary will be forthcoming.

07/20/2025

Eunice Ann Peplau, age 94, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, with Pastor Tyler Barlage officiating. Burial will take place at Eureka Cemetery, Eureka, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, from 10 A.M.-12 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
Eunice was born in Lansing, Michigan on June 12, 1931, the daughter of Robert and Lois (King) Pitchford. She married A.J. Gale "Bud" Peplau in Lansing, Michigan on July 15, 1967. Bud preceded her in death on July 5, 2005. Eunice retired from the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier. She liked art, cooking, baking, gardening and sewing. Eunice enjoyed volunteering for various activities and serving others. She was a member of the Greenbush United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her children: Joan (Butch) Schneider, Marie (Kenneth) Wood, Sue (Bob) Gray, Dennis (Chrissy) Kowalski, and Cindy Edwards; grandchildren: Patrick (Josie) Zimmerman, Brent (Cindy) Smith, Eric (Amie) Wood, Cristina (James) Tamlin, Sara (Rich) Koenigsknecht, Michael (Mary) Wood, and Mike (Shaine Cartwright) Schneider; great-grandchildren: Johnny, Justin, Nolan, Ella, Jenny, Sami, Andrew, Matthew, Jefferson, Jacob, and Mark; great-great grandchildren: Emerson and Trevor. She is also survived by her siblings: Ellen Bodo, Grace Alberts, Arlene Witherbee, David (Bert) Pitchford, and Carol Clifford. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother Lee Pitchford.
Memorials may be made to Your Local Humane Society. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.

07/19/2025

07/18/2025

Donna May Smith, age 63, of Shepherd, MI, passed away Friday, July 18, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.
There will be no services held per Donna's request.
Donna was born in Eastpointe, MI on August 16, 1961, the daughter of John and Dorothy (Dobbs) Atkinson. Donna volunteered her time with the American Red Cross in Alma. She loved to crochet and will always be remembered for her wonderful cooking, especially her cheesy potatoes, no bake cookies, and biscuits and gravy. Donna was an Elvis, John Wayne, and Elton John fan, but Shirley Temple was her favorite. She had a fun sense of humor. Donna loved going on adventures with her friend, Carol, especially to Olive Garden.
She is survived by her husband Norwyn Smith of Shepherd, MI; son Rustin Smith of St. Louis, MI; daughter Terrin Smith and Ryan King of St. Louis, MI; daughter Konna and Cody Peacock of Shepherd, MI; 8 grandchildren: Aarolyn Smith, Brynn Smith, Hunter Smith, Nikolai Smith, Raegan King, Maecyn King, Dylion Peacock, and Luna Peacock; 2 great-grandchildren: Jamison and Julien Partridge; siblings: Judy, Jane, Ronald, Sr., and Robert; several nieces and nephews. Donna was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Mark and Sue.
In Donna's memory she would ask that others remember her in their thoughts and prayers.
Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.

07/18/2025

It was our honor, yesterday to take Mr. LeRoy John Schram to his final resting place with our Motorcycle Hearse in Lincoln, Michigan for Gillies Funeral Home.