Barbara J. Smith's Obituary
Barbara J. Smith, age 74, passed away Wednesday, August 31, 2016. She was born August 8, 1942 in Muskegon to John and Viva (Wills) Klomp and had been a life-long resident of the area. On May 12, 1961 she married Charles “Charlie” Smith, in Muskegon, at Grace Christian Reformed Church. Barb worked for Lake Welding Supply Company for many years before retiring in 1997. She was a faithful servant of the Lord, and was a member of Unity Reformed Church, where she belonged to Cross Group and Prayer Group. Barb loved to embroider and crazy quilt and viewed her creativity as an extension of her faith. She also found great joy in gifting her crazy quilts to people she loved. But most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family. In her words: “I had the best husband, children, and grandchildren.” SURVIVING her are her husband, Charlie; three children: Stephen C. (Kulnattha “Pui”) Smith of Chiang Mai, Thailand and New York City, Amy B. (Larry) Hewitt of Whitehall, Melissa C. (Mark) Hoffman of Colorado Springs, CO; four grandchildren: Alyssa (Charles) Bradfield, Dean and Taylor Hewitt, Clyde Hoffman; and sister, Kathy (Gordon) Hardy of Grand Haven. Barb was preceded in death by a daughter, Brenda Smith; parents; and brother, John Klomp. A CELEBRATION OF BARB’S LIFE will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Unity Reformed Church with Pastor Walter Jones officiating. VISITATION with the family will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials to Alagille Syndrome Alliance (you may also donate on-line at www.alagille.org) or Unity Reformed Church will be appreciated. Please share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Ave., (231) 726-5210
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