Maxine Smith's Obituary
Maxine Smith, age 93, passed away Tuesday, July 1, 2025. She was born October 5, 1931 in Newaygo County, MI to Albert J. and Doris (Allison) Allers. Maxine married Kennth Starkweather in 1949 and he preceded her in death in 1987. She later married Robert Smith in 1996 and he preceded her in death in 2001. Prior to retirement, Maxine worked 21 years as a cook for Oakridge Public Schools. She was a member of Ravenna Free Methodist Church where she served as the treasurer, taught Sunday School, coordinated the Missions and was Sunday School Superintendent at one time. Maxine is survived by 2 daughters, Jan (Ken) Wilson, Mary (Earl) MacLaren; 5 grandchildren, Paul (Jennifer) MacLaren, Tim (Heather) MacLaren, Philip (Olivia) MacLaren, Kelli (Tim) Postema, Chad (Sarah) Wilson; 9 great-grandchildren, Kendahl MacLaren, Tristan MacLaren, Kaylah MacLaren, Austin MacLaren, Izaak MacLaren, twins Kara and Kendra Postema, Emily Postema, Emily Peterson; 2 brothers, Dale (Kathy) Allers, Gordon Allers; 2 sisters-in-law, Florence Allers, Geri Allers; and many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, twins Virgil Allers and Virginia Polhamus, Albert Allers Jr, Raymond Allers, Frank Allers, Arlene Spedoski, Shirley Norton, Bonnie Johnson, and Kenny Allers. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Ravenna Free Methodist Church, 2620 S Ravenna Road, Ravenna, MI 49451, with Pastor Dan Graybill officiating. Visitation will be held 5-8 PM Monday at **The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas St, Ravenna, MI 49451. ** Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Interment will take place at Egelston Township Cemetery.
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