Tamara Jo "Tammy" Kench

      Tamara Jo Kench, age 54, of Perrinton, MI, passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side on December 21, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 11:30 A.M., with her family officiating. Burial will take place at Ithaca Cemetery, Ithaca, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 26, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 P.M. and on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home.
     Tammy was born in Alma, MI on May 25, 1970, the daughter of Kenneth and Emma Lee Cramer. She graduated from Fulton High School in 1988.
     Tammy married the love of her life, Brian Kench, on December 17, 1994, in Alma, MI. She gained two wonderful children when she married Brian, and together they welcomed three daughters. Her and Brian shared 30 years of marriage, but she would like to claim credit for all 34 and a half years they had together. While she held various positions outside of the home, her true calling was caring for her family and her children. Her daughters will always remember her as the heart of their family. She provided a nurturing home to not only her five children, but also to neighboring families in her community.
     Tammy was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a patient, kind, and joyful presence to all. Tammy treasured time with her entire family, especially the days spent on the boat. Whether it be the lakes of Michigan or the beaches of Florida, she was always her happiest by the water. Through many battles, her faith in God always remained strong. She was a role model to all who knew her, especially in modeling her walk with Christ. Tammy followed a calling six years ago to start a women’s Bible study centered around discipleship and community. She leaves behind a ministry of compassion, kindness, hospitality, and a heart for Christ.
      Tammy is survived by her husband of 30 years, Brian Kench; their five children: Cetara Kench, Corbin (Jordyn) Kench, McKenzie Kench, McKennah Kench, and Madisyn (Travis) Wetzel; honorary daughters: Denna Bunting and Claire Allen; two grandchildren: Braylon and Oaklynn Kench; honorary grandsons: Brooks, Wes, and Higgins Rayburn; mother: Emma Lee Cramer; siblings: Kevin (Ranee) Cramer, Kim (Cheri) Cramer, Terri (Kevin) Grubaugh; father-in-law: Butch Kench; sisters-in-law: Shelly (Alberto) Betancourt and Karen (Jerry) Cooley; brother-in-law: Daren (Elizabeth) Kench; and many treasured nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews.
     Tammy was preceded in death by her grandparents: Carl and Dorothy Davis, Robert and Naomi Cramer; father: Kenneth Cramer; and mother-in-law: Anna Kench.
      Just as Tammy lived her life giving and serving, she is asking in lieu of flowers or donations, that you consider “paying it forward” this Christmas season. A kind word, a small gift, a listening ear, or being there for someone, no blessing is too big or too small. If you see a need, fill it. Philippians 2:3-8.
     Online condolences may be sent at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.