Rose Marie Smith

Rose Marie Emily Smith, 84, of Alma, MI, passed away peacefully with her loved ones at her side Saturday, December 2, 2017 at Warwick Living Center, Alma, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, 1333 E. Center St. Ithaca, MI, on Friday, December 8, 2017 at 12:00 P.M., with Pastor David Wertz officiating.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2017 from 6-8 P.M., and Friday, December 8, 2017 from 10 A.M. until time of service at the funeral home.  A private burial will take place at Jasper Township Cemetery.

Rose was born in Detroit, MI on February 1, 1933, the daughter of Benjamin and Hazel (Coon) Gilbert.  In 1948, she married Earl Strand in Morgan County, Tennessee and together they had 6 wonderful children.  Later, she married Carlton Smith on October 23, 1970 at the St. Louis Tabernacle. Carlton preceded her in death on September 3, 1992.

Rose worked as a CNA at Masonic Pathways in Alma for many years.  She was a member of Faith Life Christian Center and loved going as often as possible. She enjoyed watching old movies, shopping, and a good Wendy's Frosty.

Rose is survived by her 6 loving children: Earl Ricky Strand of St. Louis, MI, Danny (Wendy) Strand of Barstow, CA, Robert (Pam) Strand of Birmingham, AL, Steve (Tammy) Strand of Ithaca, MI, Tammy Hicks of Rockford, MI, and Kevin (Shari) Strand of Saint Charles, MI; 21 grandchildren: Ricky, Shawn, Ben, Keri, Amanda, Susie, Robby, Steve, Josh, Kara, Greg, Nathaniel, Nicholas, Tiffany, Jessica, Zack, Christopher, Jacob, Dakotah, Ashleigh, and Hannah; 24 great grandchildren with two on the way, and many nieces and nephews.  Rose was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Earl and Carlton, granddaughter Kathy Strand, and 4 siblings: Howard, Henrietta, Celine, and Bernice.

Donations may be made to the Faith Life Christian Center Children's Ministries.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.