Smith Family Funeral Homes

11/26/2025

11/26/2025

Rhett Lee Blemaster, age 26, of East Lansing, MI, passed away Sunday, November 23, 2025.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, December 4, 2025, with Pastor Michael Stainbrook officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 3:00-7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. The family asks guests to wear University of Michigan or Detroit Tigers attire for the visitation. An additional memorial service will be held at St. Luke Lutheran Church - Christ Campus in Lansing at a later date.
Rhett was born in St. Johns, MI, on August 3, 1999, the son of Christopher Dale Blemaster and Lisa Ann (Rice) Conklin. He was originally from Maple Rapids, MI. He then graduated from Fowler High School with the class of 2019. He went on to become a prep cook at Olga's Kitchen in Lansing. On March 19, 2023, Rhett married the love of his life, Gabrielle Knoespel, in East Lansing. It was "always and forever us" with their fur babies Captain and Princess.
Rhett had a passion for cars, video games, making people laugh, eating, and cooking food. He was a master experimenter in the kitchen, and a hot sauce connoisseur.
Most of all, he was a committed member of St. Luke Lutheran Church. He was loved by all his fellow members and served as a greeter and in the community kitchen. Rhett was baptized January 21, 2024.
He is survived by his wife, Gabby, his father Chris Blemaster; step-mother, Joana Flores; his siblings: Randall (Harley) Blemaster, Jakob Blemaster, Jay, and Jillian; nephews Ford, Braxter, and Ryder; grandparents: Agnes "The Grandma" Moore, Karen and Sheldon Knoespel, Bradley and Pamela Blemaster, and Deborah and Robert Simmons; special aunts: Brandi Blumerich-Rice, Pamela Moore, and Jada (Jim) Paisley; special uncles: Jason (Alysha) Blemaster, Kyle (Angie) Blemaster; and many additional uncles, aunts, cousins, buddies, and homies. He was preceded in death by his mother Lisa Ann Conklin, grandparents Tom Moore, Rose and Phil Rice; and the greatest uncle John Smith.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Gift of Life, and Sparrow's Trauma and Neuro ICU teams for their special care and attention to Rhett. The family would also like to give an extra special thank you to Pastor Mike's dedication to the Blemaster-Knoespel family during this difficult time.
Memorials may be made to wishes of the family. Online condolences may be made to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.

11/25/2025

Blanche Marie Woodbury, age 85, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Monday, November 24, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. Burial will take place at Eureka Cemetery, Eureka, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Blanche was born in St. Johns, Michigan on November 24, 1940, the daughter of Herman Joseph and Mary Florence (Meehan) Mueller. Blanche married Bruce Edward Woodbury. They celebrated 59 years together before his passing in 2019.
Blanche served as Elsie Village Clerk, Duplain Township Treasurer and retired from Ovid-Elsie Schools. She enjoyed playing cards, reading and trips to the casino. Blanche looked forward to lunch with friends, cooking meals for her family and hosting gatherings in her heated garage. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI.
She is survived by her children: Tammy (Chip) Saam of Dimondale, MI; Teri (Lori Schafer) Woodbury of St. Johns, MI; and Todd (Stacy) Woodbury of Gladwin, MI; her son-in-law Scott Gilhouse of Elsie, MI; her grandchildren: Sam (Megan) Woodbury, Jay (Nicole) Woodbury, and Cal Woodbury, and Matthew and Amelia Saam; great-grandson Ace Woodbury and sister Agnes Fedewa. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Marilyn Mueller, Jo Wakefield, and Marcia and Roger Workman; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bruce, her daughter Tena Gilhouse, her infant daughter Teresa Woodbury, her siblings: Bud (Arlene) Mueller, Geraldine (Larry) Moore, Jim (Betty) Mueller, Charley Mueller, Virginia (Bob) Compton, Mary Ann Mueller, Robert Mueller, Gerald Mueller, infant siblings: John and Patty Mueller and brothers-in-law: Marvin Fedewa and Dave Wakefield.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to A Charity of the Donor's Choice. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.

11/24/2025

Stanley John “Stan” Simmons, age 81, of Ithaca, Michigan passed away Friday, November 21, 2025, at University of Michigan Health West, Wyoming, Michigan.
Following Stan’s wishes, a cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Stanley was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 14, 1944, the son of Stanley John and Mary Ruth (Godfrey) Simmons. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a signalman on the USS Soley. Stan thoroughly enjoyed his career working as a Construction Superintendent overseeing the building of many schools and hospitals and especially the people he met and mentored along the way.
On March 1, 1986, Stanley married Patricia Lou Gallagher at the Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Alma, Michigan. They have been blessed with thirty-nine years of marriage. Stan was a loving Husband, Dad, and Papa. He faithfully attended many music-filled events for his son and his grandchildren’s sporting events. He enjoyed woodworking; his family has many projects that he made. Stan enjoyed tinkering around the house and loved the woods and the wildlife on their property.
Stan is survived by his wife Patti, three children: Karen (Scott) Petzold of Hudsonville, MI; Stanley D. (Michelle White) Simmons of Breckenridge, MI; and Matthew Simmons of Roanoke, VA; four grandchildren: Drew (Shannon) Petzold, Lucas (Molly) Petzold, Josh Petzold, and Ruby Simmons. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.

11/23/2025

Linda Paulette Sparks, age 81, of Grass Lake, formerly of Sumner, Michigan, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Jackson County Medical Care Facility, Jackson, Michigan.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan, at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, with Jo Jones officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at New Haven Township Cemetery, New Haven Township, Michigan.
Linda was born in Sheridan, Michigan, on August 6, 1944, the daughter of Homer “Ted” and Lorraine (Welch) Doolittle. In high school, she was captain of the cheerleading squad and the Stanton Chapter Sweetheart of the Future Farmers of America. She graduated from Stanton High School, with the class of 1962.
Linda married Jerry Sparks on February 8, 1964, at the Ithaca United Methodist Church. She taught preschool during the 1970s. She went on to work in the banking industry and worked performing embroidery for Van Attens Hardware & Sporting Goods in Alma, Michigan, as well as Alma Public Schools. Later, Linda worked as an office manager for Sparks’ Pickle Company. She was an avid seamstress known for the pillows she created, and the clothes she made for family and friends. Linda enjoyed baking, swimming, roller skating, painting, and singing in church choirs. In retirement, Linda and Jerry spent their winters in Florida. She cherished and adored her three beloved grandchildren and loved spending time with them.
She is survived by her husband Jerry Sparks; her daughter Candyce (Jeff) Shields; her son Timothy (Jan) Sparks; grandchildren: Emily Sparks, Bradley (Alyssa) Sparks, Jonathan Sparks, her sister Brenda (Gary) Adams; her brother Leonard (Agnes) Doolittle, and sister-in-law Susan Sparks. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Lorraine, son Jeffrey Sparks, brothers: Lyle Joe and Kenneth “Kenny” Doolittle, in-laws Bernard and Pauline Sparks, and brother-in-law Chris Sparks.
Memorials may be made to Ithaca’s Senior Activity Building, Ithaca, Michigan, or the Jackson County Medical Care Facility, Jackson, Michigan. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.

11/23/2025

Carla Jo DeRosia, age 51, of Alma, MI, passed away Friday, November 21, 2025, at University of Michigan Health- Sparrow Lansing, surrounded by her family.
Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life for Carla will be held at a later date.
Carla was born in Alma, Michigan on April 10, 1974, she was the daughter of John "Rocky" Nelson Grice and Carolyn Ruth Houck. She went to Fulton High School, then went on to work at various factories in the area.
You could always find Carla where the fun was, whether that was at the casino or at a concert. Carla loved to listen to music and go dancing, but most of all loved spending time with her family. She was a proud mother, grandmother, and dog mama to Emma.
She is survived by her children: Trevor (Shelby) Martyn, Elisha (Nicholas) Cooledge, James (Carly) Fetty, and Josey Cowdrey; her grandchildren: Logan, Kinley, Adalynn, Harper, and Wallen; her siblings: Deanna (Bob) Mitchell, John Grice, and Vicky (Sal) Sanchez; and many nieces and nephews. Carla is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Edward DeMoines.
Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.

11/22/2025

James Scott “Jim” Clapp, age 63, of Wheeler, MI, passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025, at his home.
Jim’s wishes were to be cremated and there are no services planned at this time.
James was born in Alma, Michigan on September 18, 1962, the son of Bernard C.” Bernie” and Janice Kay (Benner) Clapp. He grew up in Breckenridge where he graduated from Breckenridge High School with the Class of 1982.
Jim was the biggest sports fan and loved to watch a game anytime he could. He loved to cheer on and even curse at his Michigan home teams, especially the Lions and Tigers. In the summer, he loved to camp and enjoy the great outdoors with his family and friends. In the winter, he hibernated. Jim also took great pride in his lawn and provided quality lawn care for many.
He was a longtime employee of IAC and worked there for the last 27 years where he worked beside many great people and met the love of his life. He spoke highly of his IAC coworkers and even considered many of them his family. He even had a special work saying. He was a hard worker but also had a great sense of humor and a softer side.
Jim is survived by his significant other Theresa Wittig, children: Katie Teed, Matt Teed, and Rob Maus; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Roger Clapp.
Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.

11/22/2025

Barbara Sue Tupica, age 84, of Ashley, MI, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2025.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery.
Barbara was born in Marion Springs, Michigan on February 27, 1941, she was the daughter of Loring Alva and Marjorie May (Flegel) Buchholz. She was a graduate of Ashley High School with the class of 1959. Barbara would go on to become a factory worker at Precision Plastics in Ithaca, MI, and she drove bus for many years at Ashley Community Schools.
She loved to travel with her brother, Jim Buchholz, and his wife, Georgieana, in their younger days. Barbara also was an avid antique collector. Above all else, she loved spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children: Tony (Michele) Tupica, Jole (Steve) Hill, and Lynna Tupica; her grandchildren: Michael (Heather) Tupica, Mary Tupica, Mark Tupica, Elizabeth Hill, Izzy Hill, and Josef Hill; great-grandchildren: Emily Evans, Abby Evans, Peyton Tupica, and Maxton Tupica; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jim Buchholz, her sister Joyce Barancik, and her former husband Frederick Tupica.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Country Friends Assisted Living and Care Team Hospice.
Memorials may be made to Country Friends Assisted Living Facility 10481 Buchanan Rd., Sumner, MI 48889. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.

11/22/2025

Robert Franklin Riddle
Age 82, of Troy, MI, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at The Gem Memory Care Facility, Town Village, in Sterling Heights, MI. He was born on July 20, 1943, in Highland Park, MI. to William Glen and Elizabeth Riddle (Watchorn).
Bob was raised in Royal Oak, MI, and graduated from Royal Oak Kimball High School in 1962.� He was drafted and served in the United States Army as a Medic from March 5, 1965, to February 20, 1967. He received a Vietnam Service Medal and a National Defense Service Medal for good conduct.
He had a long career as a salesman and retired from Gardiner C. Vose where he thoroughly enjoyed his job and the people he worked with.
Bob loved to play golf and travel. Spending time with family, especially on the holidays, was most important and he really enjoyed listening to music and watching movies, and musicals. Later in life Bob found companionship in his Morkie Dog, Thumper, and his friend Agnes at The Gem.
He enjoyed visiting with his sister Gail, who spent a lot of time traveling from Canton to Sterling Heights to see Bob over the years that he was in assisted living and memory care. For that his family is grateful.
Bob is survived by his 4 children: Brad (Marissa) Riddle, Elizabeth Riddle, Miguel (Pam) Gonzales, and Lori (David) Orfinik; 4 grandchildren: Sierra Gonzales, Bryson Gonzales, Nathaniel Gonzales, and Lauren Orfinik; sisters: Gail Dickerson, Doris Davis, and Jane Brooks, and many loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth Brooks, his father William Riddle, his stepfather Richard (Dick) Brooks who raised him, his former wife Susan Riddle, and his siblings Richard Brooks, Vida Neale, Bill Riddle, and Greg Brooks.
A private family memorial will take place in the future. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gem Memory Care Facility, Town Village, in Sterling Heights, MI.

11/21/2025

Michael Lynn "Mike" Van De Perre, age 75, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2025, at his home.
Burial will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI, on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 3:00 P.M.
Mike was born in Alma, Michigan on September 2, 1950, the son of Gustaff H. and Vivian B. (Cassady) Van De Perre. Mike grew up in North Star and graduated from Ithaca High School with class of 1968. He married Sandra (Siekierka) Guethlein on May 21, 1989, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sandy passed July 5, 2011. Mike retired from Federal Mogul in St. Johns after many years of service. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading, and loved history. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam, and he also served in the Michigan National Guard & Reserves.
He is survived by his daughter Nanisa and Brad Chase of Bath, MI; step-son Kirk Guethlein of Breckenridge, MI; step-son Clint and Becca Guethlein of Wayne, MI; his sister Suzanne and Larry White of Riverdale, MI. He is also survived by a special aunt Willowdean Cassady, two grandchildren, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sandy and his brother Ted Van De Perre.
Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family or to Wounded Warriors in honor of Mike. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.