Walter Benjamin "Walt" Smith

      Walter Benjamin “Walt” Smith, age 88, of Ashley, Michigan, passed away on Monday, January 16, 2023, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, Michigan.

      A cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at Union Home Cemetery, St. Johns, Michigan, at a later date.

      Walter was born in St. Johns, Michigan, on September 24, 1934, the son of Noel S. and Esther M. (Trowbridge) Smith.  He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School, with the class of 1953, and also attended Ferris State University for studies in the automotive industry.  Walt proudly served his country in the United States Army.

      On September 8, 1960, Walter married Ruth Marie Moore.  They were blessed with sixty-two years of marriage, and she survives him.  Walt took pride in caring for his home and property, and really enjoyed mowing his lawn.  He enjoyed researching his families’ genealogy.  He was a mechanic for Pohl Brothers before going to work for Oldsmobile.  He was a service representative for Oldsmobile in Wyoming, Colorado, and Illinois; and then became a training instructor in Illinois and Lansing, before retiring in 1993.

     He is survived by his wife Ruth; three children: Shirley Potacka of St. Louis, MI; Bruce Smith of Ashley, MI; and Brian (Melissa) Smith of DeKalb, IL; four grandchildren: Lisa Bergeron, Wendy (John) Trujillo, Jake (Gina) Smith, and Jillian (Cameron) Luker; and two great-grandchildren: Kazia Bergeron and Michael.  He is also survived by three siblings: Marilee Mills, Elizabeth (Bruce) Pope, and Malcolm (Agnes) Smith; two sisters-in-law: Wenda Duflo and Wilma Moore; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law John Potacka, brothers-in-law: Glen Mills, Richard Moore, Chauncey Moore, and Leon Moore, Jr.; and brother and sisters-in-law: Richard & Diana Barrett and Keith & Margaret Slepr.

     Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.