Nancy Kay (Martin) Crites

   Nancy Kay Crites, age 86, of Ithaca, MI, entered into the arms of her Savior while surrounded by her family Thursday, May 12, 2022, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI after a short illness.

     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 4, 2022, with Pastor Matt Beery officiating. Burial will follow at North Star Cemetery.

     Nancy was born in rural Gratiot County, MI on January 30, 1936, the daughter of Leon A. and Goldie Mae (Wood) Martin. She was one of twelve siblings. She graduated from Ithaca High School Salutatorian of the class of 1954.  On June 26, 1954, Nancy married Howard Glenn Crites at the Ithaca United Methodist Church. They have been blessed with nearly 68 years of marriage.

     Nancy was a quiet lady with a generous spirit. She gave of her time and talents to her family, church, and community. She volunteered at the Commission on Aging and was often seen with knitting needles in her hand making hats for children in need. She enjoyed being outside working in her gardens. Her zucchini bread will be missed by many of us.

     Nancy was a stay at home mom until her children were grown and then was the payroll clerk for the RESD. She was a longtime active member of Ithaca Baptist Church. She and Howard were involved in every area of church ministry.  She loved her family. The memories of time spent together will be cherished by all.

     She is survived by her husband Howard; four children: Randall (Diane) Crites of Alma, MI; Rodney (Nancee) Crites of Gladwin, MI; Robin (Roger) Bollinger of Carson City, MI; and Rebecca (Larry) Pryg of Shelby Township, MI; nine grandchildren: Becky Jo Kirkpatrick, Jenny (Cody) Curtis, Bethany (Steve) Powlus, Heather (Kevin) Babb, Jason (Colleen) Crites, Kelly Bollinger, Chris (Cheyenne) Bollinger, Kasey (Justin) Felten, and Luke (Hannah) Pryg; fifteen great-grandchildren: Alexia Kirkpatrick, Cavan Kirkpatrick, Grace Curtis, Mikaela Curtis, Eloise Crites, Henry Crites, William Crites, Brighton Bollinger, Bretlynn Bollinger, Braylee Bollinger, Jamie Felten, Wyatt Babb, BellaJane Babb, Easton Powlus, and Levi Powlus. She is also survived by seven siblings: Sally Martin, Jerry Martin, Helen Hoard, LaDaun (Dave) Longanbach, Art Burch, Betty Reeves, and Don (Sherida) Burch; sisters-in-law: Linda Frank, Myrna (Rod) Shattuck, and Beverly (Gary) Higgins; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant son Douglas Howard Crites, siblings: Jack (Eunice) Martin, Glen (June) Martin, Virginia (Bill) Ball, and Larry (Carol) Martin; brothers and sisters-in-law: Malvelene Martin, Kathy Burch, and Fred Hoard.

     Memorials may be made to Ithaca Senior Center or Ithaca Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.