Smith Family Funeral Homes

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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.

12/27/2025

Jeffrey Joe "Cuffy" Baxter, age 59, of St. Louis, MI, passed away Friday, December 26, 2025.
Funeral Services will be held at Alma Community Church, Alma, MI, at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, with Pastor Aaron Mora officiating. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, St. Louis, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church.
Jeffrey was born in Alma, MI on April 15, 1966, the son of Gary Joseph and Ruth Ann (Cole) Baxter. He was a graduate of St. Louis High School. He married Melanie Clark on October 10, 1987, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alma, MI.
Jeff was a lifelong farmer and a jack of many trades. Jeff was a seed salesman and owned and operated Baxter Excavating with his brother and best friend, Brad. He loved camping at Timberline Campground in Benzonia for over 25 years. Jeff loved snowmobiling with his great friends but his most recent passion was ORVing. Jeff loved collecting many things and going to auctions and resale stores. He was a practical joker, loved laughter and was a big kid at heart. Jeff left a legacy of hard work, laughter and unwavering devotion to his family. His entire life has been dedicated to the love of his family, he took great pride in the family farm and he loved the people in his community. Jeff was a member of Alma Community Church and loved to serve the donuts and coffee. He shared a life filled with love and memories with his wife, Melanie, their three children and five grandchildren. Those who knew Jeff will cherish his love of making people laugh. He quietly expressed how much he deeply cared for those he loved.
He is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Melanie Baxter; son Grayson and Kristin Baxter; daughter Chelsea and Gerritt Bott; daughter Chloe Baxter; grandchildren: Emma, Beau, Addyson, Brantley, and Savannah; brother Brad, and Kelly Baxter; sister Sheila and Deron Hunt; father-in-law Wayne Clark; sister-in-law Melissa and Ron Hoag; step-mom Jan Baxter; nieces and nephews: Hannah, Noah, Isaiah (Becca) Hoag also Robyn, Skylar, and Breeze "Wind" Hunt. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents and his mother-in-law, Sharon Clark.
Jeff's family encourages all to dress in farm casual (come as you are) as Jeff would have wanted.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alma Community Church- Community Kids and Coffee Crew. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.

12/26/2025

Fay Schmitz, age 87, of Fowler, MI, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at The Maples of St. Johns.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, with Rev. Fr. John Whitlock and Rev. Fr. Darrel Kempf presiding. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 2-8 P.M. with a Rosary being prayed at 1:30 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.
Fay was born in Bengal Township, Michigan on October 7, 1938,she was the daughter of Herman Frank and Mira (Sims) Myers. On October 13, 1962, she married Richard Michael Schmitz. They were blessed with fifty-three years of marriage, prior to his passing on July 18, 2014.
Fay and Richard owned and operated Schmitz Standard Service for over 30 years, and it continued to operate well into the 2nd generation for another 30 years. In their retirement, Fay and Richard loved to spend time with their grandchildren more than anything. Fay was a proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren - always attending concerts, sporting events, or picking them up from school.
She was a lifelong member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and the Ladies Auxilary VFW Post #3733. Fay grew up as the sixth of thirteen children. From a young age, she learned that anyone who showed up at the dinner table ate—no one was considered a guest, only family. Being older in the pecking order, she naturally took on the role of caretaker, looking out for and helping her younger siblings. That instinct followed her throughout her life.
Her door was always open, and there was always room for one more at the table. During the Blizzard of 1978, Richard brought home two stranded travelers, and Fay made sure they had a roof over their heads, a warm bed to sleep in, and food to eat until the roads were clear enough for them to continue on.
Living across from the school, their home became a safe and welcoming stop for many kids—some came to use the phone, others to grab a snack before or after sports practice. Later, it became a cherished tradition for her grandchildren and their friends to gather on Mondays for dinner before religious education.
She also made it a tradition to take her grandchildren school-supply shopping every year and Christmas ornament shopping as well—small rituals that became lasting memories. While Richard was often seen as the fun one, Fay was the steady presence behind the scenes, making sure everyone was fed and scraped knees were cleaned and bandaged.
When her grandchildren asked who her favorite was, Fay always answered the same way: “Whichever one I’m with.” Fay didn’t just offer hospitality—she created a sense of belonging. Everyone who walked through her door felt cared for, fed, and welcomed as family.
She is survived by her children: Dean (Cindy) Schmitz, of Fowler, MI; Chris (Julie Hutchinson) Schmitz, of Fowler, MI; Jimmy (Bev) Schmitz of Pewamo, MI; and Kathy Jo (Jeremy) Boak, of Fowler, MI; her siblings: Susie (Tom) Goerge, Mark (Eva Gross) Myers, Al Myers, and Ernie (Rosie) Myers; her grandchildren: Dylan Schmitz, Cassie Schmitz, Kaitlyn Schmitz, Holly (Steven) Ulmer, Brady Schmitz, Kelsey (Bryce) Hengesbach, Trevor Schmitz, Zachary Schmitz, Cameron (Madison) Schmitz, Savannah (Grant) Hengesbach, and Charlie (Sarah) Boak; great-grandchildren: Francis Hengesbach, Juliana Hengesbach, Eden Hengesbach, Simeon Hengesbach, Daisy Ulmer, Lucia Hengesbach, Veronica Hengesbach, and Peter Boak; her sister-in-law Maxine Myers; her brother-in-law Leon Thelen; many nieces and nephews; and her best friend Marie (Clem) Hufnagel. Fay was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Richard; her siblings: Norma (Perry) Claeys, Eloise Brown, Jack Myers, Richard Myers, Jerry (Nancy) Myers, Ray (Phyllis) Myers, Karen Myers, and Grace Thelen, her sisters-in-law: Linda and Arlene Myers; and best friend Janet (Ray) Armbrustmacher.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Jeff and Emily Wieber of the Maples at St. Johns and the extended care team for their genuine love and care for Fay. They do not just provide care, they do care. Words simply cannot express the gratitude they have for those that shared a special bond with Fay. The family would also like to thank the members of the Elara Care Team for their support.
Memorials may be made to Wishes of the Family. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes –Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.

12/25/2025

~From our family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy New Year!

12/23/2025

Michael George Asher, age 85, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025, at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing, MI.
Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes in Elsie, MI, on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 11:00 A.M., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 P.M.
Mike was born in Pontiac, Michigan on December 8, 1940, the son of Walter and Vera (Weber) Asher. He married Karen Mechem, on April 27, 1968, in Walled Lake, MI. They were blessed with 57 years of marriage.
Mike proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1960-1964. He worked at Federal Mogul as a tool &dye maker for 30 years and was a Big Brother, Jaycee member and an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, Michigan. After retiring, Mike and Karen spent three years traveling throughout the U.S. in their RV, doing volunteer work. After that, they settled in Homosassa, FL. In Florida, Mike volunteered with Daystar Life Center, where he drove a donation truck and performed carpentry and maintenance services. He also volunteered at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park as a shuttle driver.
Mike is survived by his wife Karen Asher; his three daughters: Vickie Bush, DeAnn Look, and Traci Asher; as well as his sister Carol Asher and his grandchildren Kaitlyn Muir, Aaron Bush, Marissa Look, and Kylah Look. He is also survived by 2 great-granddaughters, Alena Bush and
Stella Muir. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings Margaret, Mary, Ellen, Jim, William, Patrick, and Evelyn.
Memorial gifts may be made to Wounded Warriors or Daystar Life Center, Crystal River, Florida. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.

12/22/2025

Joel Blaine Dilday, age 87, of St. Johns, MI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, Lansing, MI.
A Celebration of Life will be held for on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Heritage Baptist Church - 1380 E Round Lake Rd, DeWitt, MI 48820. A luncheon will follow at the church.
Joel was born in Martin, Tennessee on June 24, 1938; to Hassel and Margaret Dilday. After moving to Michigan, Joel worked for Oldsmobile as a forklift driver for many years until he retired.
He married Elaine Lou Kinney, on September 1, 1956. . They spent many wonderful years together tending to their horses, mules, and hunting dogs. Joel and Elaine also loved spending time with friends on trips up north. Elaine passed away on May 27, 2014.
He is survived by his son Randy, grandson Justin; siblings Marsha, Betty, Judy, and Diane. Joel was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother.
Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.

12/22/2025

Todd Leroy Winans, age 61, of Elsie, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Memorial Healthcare in Owosso, Michigan.
Private Services will be held, with burial at Ford Cemetery in Elba Township.
Todd was born on January 24, 1964, in St. Johns, Michigan, the son of Harry Ralph and Betty Ann (Hunnicutt) Winans. He graduated from Ovid-Elsie High School in 1982, and worked as a gas linesman for Consumers Energy, a role he took pride in throughout his career. Todd was a proud member of the Utility Workers Union of America.
Todd enjoyed being outdoors and spent his time hunting, fishing, golfing, boating, kayaking, and hiking. He was also a devoted Michigan State Spartans fan who followed the team closely and rarely missed a game, always up to date on the background and rankings. He especially enjoyed quiet evenings watching sunsets by the campfire at the lake.
In everyday life, known as a true handyman, Todd could fix just about anything and was the person people called for help. Kind and generous with his time, he always made sure the job was done correctly. He was devoted to Maria and showed his love through acts of service and a sense of adventure, living with integrity and seeing life through a lens of optimism and humor that kept her laughing and grounded. As a brother, he was known for his loyalty, steady presence, shared laughter, poker games with family, and the occasional double-dog dare.
Above all, Todd was most proud of his two sons. He taught them life lessons through everyday moments, always with humor and heart, instilling responsibility, honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic. Whether coaching baseball and football or taking them along to work, Todd made learning hands-on and meaningful—hard work mattered, doing things right mattered, and there was always room for fun. The love and respect Levi and Logan have for their father is unmistakable. Levi now carries those lessons forward with his children, while Logan is a loving and engaged uncle who reflects Todd’s example.
Todd is survived by his sons: Levi Winans (Shawna Dalton) and Logan Winans; his grandchildren: Brayven, Kashton, Blakely, and Wrenly; his life partner, Maria Ibarra; his stepchildren: James Rozell, Jr., Alex Rozell, and Christopher Rozell; his brothers: Scott (Penny) Winans and Jeff Winans; his sisters-in-law: Kathryn Ibarra (Eric Savitsky), Jacque Ibarra (Todd Hardy), and Stephanie Ibarra; his mother-in-law, Ellie Ibarra; and his nieces and nephews: Hunter (Tara) Hayden (KayLee), Hudson, and Dakota Winans. He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Izzo Legacy Foundation. Online condolences may be sent at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.

12/21/2025

Dorothy Esther Baley, age 78, of Lansing, MI, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
She is survived by her children: Scott Baley of Lansing, MI; Craig Baley of Lansing, MI; and Jason (Kelita) Baley of Canton, MI; her siblings: Betty Czachowrski, Tony (Pam) Burtovoy, Larry (Lorrie) Burtovoy, and Naga Phillips. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bruce, her siblings: Jack Burotovy, Helen McGinnis, Harry Burtovoy Danny Burtovoy, Anna Morrison, Nancy Bashore, and Jackie Didur.
Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.
A full obituary will be forthcoming.

12/20/2025

Diane Marie Ballinger, age 71, of St. Johns, MI, passed away on December 19, 2025, at Ashley Care Center in Ashley, MI.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. A Vigil Service will be held on Monday evening at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Diane was born in Owosso, MI on September 27, 1954, the daughter of William Dale and Florence Isabelle (Parks) Porubsky. She graduated from Ashley High School, with the class of 1972. She worked as a Secretary Supervisor for the State of Michigan, before retiring in 2017. She married Brent Ballinger at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, MI, and they spent 45 wonderful years together.
Diane was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, serving as the priest's cook for many years, and keeping score at the youth basketball games. She was also an active member of the St. Johns Garden Club.
She loved to cook, bake, and go on occasional casino trips with Brent. Diane was known for her sense of style, her passion for gardening and cooking, but mainly for the love and care she had for her family.
She is survived by her husband, Brent; her mother, Florence; her children: John (Darya) Lemke, Jeremy Ballinger, Jay (BriAnna) Ballinger, and Sara Ballinger; five grandchildren: Kade, Matvey, William, Bo, and Sylvester; her brother Jim Porubsky; her sister Shirley Porubsky; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, in-laws: Max and Onalee Ballinger; her brother-in-law Jeff Ballinger; and her beloved dog Obie.
Memorials may be made to Dementia Society of America or American Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.

12/19/2025

Thomas "Tom" Lawrence Brady, (May 28, 1959 - December 16, 2025) age 66, left this earth to be with loved ones before him, his sister Jane Mitchell and his son Daniel Gerow after a short illness.
Cremation will take place and the family will hold a private service together.
Tom was born in St. Clair County, MI on May 28, 1959, the son of Beverly Thomas Brady and Janet Louise (Saunders) Sebastian.
Tom was an avid outdoors men, he loved fishing and hunting. He loved fishing on the St. Clair River for walleye and a secret spot he called "Silvertown."
He is survived by his love of this lifetime Marie Gerow, beloved mother Janet (Charles "Bud") Sebastian, his daughter Ashley Brady, his granddaughter Alexis Gerow, his sister Julie Brady, his brothers: Jeff (Joyce) Brady, David Bradd, and Scott (Kari) Bradd. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and special friends: Eric and Pete. He will be missed by his cat Big Head Brady.
Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.

12/19/2025

~You all are in our thoughts and prayers this holiday season.

12/18/2025

Helen Louise Bennett, age 85, of Elsie, MI, passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Welcome Home Assisted Living, Owosso, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, MI. Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Helen was born in St. Johns, MI on February 23, 1940, the daughter of George W. Bennett, M.D. and Mary Louise (Wilbur) Bennett. She graduated from Elsie High School, with the class of 1958. She went on and became a beautician in the Royal Oak area, where she also taught at a beauty school, for many years.
Helen's main passion was line dancing, dancing the night away. She collected cowboy boots and western clothing and enjoyed sewing. Helen took pride in being the fun aunt and loved spending time with her nieces and nephews, especially little Bobby. She was a lifelong member of Elsie United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her sisters: Nancy and Richard Conklin, and Linda and Bruce Moore; nieces and nephews: Robert and Marcia Hardaker, Darlene and Curt Nichols, Sheryl Hehrer, Shawne and Bruce Hofferbert, Jr., Michele and David Guyski, Melissa and Scott Blasingame, and Stephen and Kathryn Moore. Helen is also survived by many great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Sue Hardaker, and fiancé Lawrence Jordan.
Helen's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Welcome Home and Swan Hospice for the fabulous care they gave Helen for over the last year.
Memorials may be made to Elsie United Methodist Church or Swan Hospice in Flint. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.

12/18/2025

Brad Thomas Ester, 60, of Breckenridge, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Per Brad's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no services at this time.
Brad was born in Alma, Michigan on March 12, 1965, to Frank Eugene and Evelyn Ruth (Northrup) Ester. He graduated from Ithaca High School, with the class of 1983. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines for four years.
He was an avid animal lover, keeping many cats and dogs over the years. Brad also loved maintaining his garden and yard, having meticulous routines, and the greenest thumb in his family.
He is survived by his siblings: Rhonda (Bill) Ringle, Scott (Jennifer) Ester, Randy (Cherie) Ester, and Gary (Kathy) Ester; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his cat Coco. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Online condolences can be sent to www.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

Website

http://www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com/

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