Barbara Jean (Pearce) Smith

     Barbara Jean Smith, age 96, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at Grace Haven Assisted Living, St. Johns, MI.

     A Memorial Service will be held at Elsie United Methodist Church, on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating.  Visitation will be held on Saturday from 2:00 P.M. until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery, Elba Township, MI.

     Barbara was born in Chapin, Michigan on July 20, 1926, the daughter of George L. and Mary (Fritz) Pearce.  She graduated from Elsie High School. On January 18, 1947 she married Oliver "Chic" Smith in Bannister, MI. Chic passed away on April 1, 2005. 

      Barb retired from Owosso Motor Products after more than 20 years of service.  She loved to sew, garden, and can produce from her harvest.  She also enjoyed reading and camping with her family.  For many years Barb and Chic volunteered locally for many things including: Elsie Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, church luncheons, Elsie Dairy Festival. She also baked cookies for the Elsie Legion bingo night.  Barb took pride in caring for her home and maintaining her yard and garden.  She was a member of the Elsie United Methodist Church, Elsie Literary Club and the Women's Auxiliary. 

   She is survived by her three daughters: Karren and Joe Ford of West Virginia; Connie Bertrand of Higgins Lake, MI; Kathy and Robert Groom of Ovid, MI; five grandchildren: Tom Bashore, Katie Fries, Carlie Bertrand, Charles Bertrand, and Chrystie Pugh; and eleven great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, granddaughter Kimberly Bashore, one brother Howard Pearce, and sisters: Erma Jones and Mariam Williams.

   Memorials may be made to the Elsie Public Library or the Elsie United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.