Gary Lee Smith

Gary Lee Smith, 67, of Ithaca, Michigan, passed away, Saturday, March 21, 2020 at his home surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on October 11, 1952, in Carson City, Michigan, the son of the late Frederick Joseph Smith and the late Flossie Marie (Elliott) Smith.  Gary married his high school sweetheart Kendra Karolle on June 11, 1970.  

Gary is survived by his wife, Kendra, daughter Andrea, son Scott (Kristen), grandchildren Steven (Emilie), Victoria, Dakota, O’Malley, Stone, Shayden, Joshua, and Rylan, great grandchildren Lorelai and Rowan, brothers Terry (Rita) Smith and Robert Smith, sister Barbara (Roger) Hadley, his sister-in-law, Loretta Smith, and his brother-in-law, Al Stamm.  He was predeceased by his parents, two infant brothers, his sister, Pat Stamm, his brother, Larry Smith, and in-laws Martin and Esther Karolle, and Marty and Kathy Karolle

Gary was a loving husband, father, grandpa and friend to everyone.  He would travel any distance to watch his grandchildren’s sporting and school events.  He loved to hunt, fish and golf.  He was a big sports fan, especially when his favorite University of Michigan Wolverines were playing.

Gary worked as a welder and fork truck driver for General Motors for 30 years and as a laborer for the Gratiot County Commission on Aging.  

Memorial donations may be made to the Home Repair Fund at the Gratiot County Commission on Aging located at 515 South Pine River Street, Ithaca, MI 48847.

The family is being served by Barden Funeral Home of Ithaca, Michigan.  A private funeral and burial service for immediate family will occur on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.  A public memorial service will be announced at a later date.  Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Update on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at 9:05PM by Jason L. Barden

Gary Lee Smith passed on March 21, 2020.  With COVID restrictions in place, only private services were held at the time of his passing.  

We will be having a celebration of his life on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Please stop by for cookies and an opportunity to reminisce with us about Gary.

Ithaca Community Center
120 North Maple
Ithaca, MI 48847

Comments

[Sue Grigar]

Kendra, I am so sorry to hear that Gary has passed. He was a great guy and I know he will be missed by many!

[Judy Cameron]

So sorry about your loss. May your memories comfort you during this time.

[Elizabeth. Hopkins]

I'm very sorry to here. That. Geay. Passed away. He was my cousin. I haven't seen him in a very long time.

[Kristin Skeith]

Kendra, Andrea, Scott & family, I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband/dad. He was a great man who always made me laugh every time I saw him. Praying for your family during this difficult time - hugs

[Michael Gasper]

Kendra, Andrea and Scott: I am so sorry for your loss. Such an outstanding person Gary was. I consider myself so fortunate to have always known him as being so giving and gracious. From all of the care packages sent to me in Iraq to every single time I was in his presence. At times looking gruff but always with that twinkle in his eye and ready with a quip. Kindness and hardworking personified. He will always be among the gold standards of an example that we should all try to measure up to.

[Karen Avery]

Kendra and family I was so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He will be remembered by many as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. I have fond memories of growing up with him. Cherish all your precious memories with him in this time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with all of w. 🙏🙏

[Mark Truxell]

Kendra & Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time thru this difficult time. I’m gonna miss Gary on the golf course this season. Take care and big hugs to you all.

Love the Truxell’s.

[Ranee & John Hadley]

He was so endearing and made me feel so comfortable when i joined the family. His wit and warm smile will sorely be missed. Family: Your in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Gary.

[Susie & Peggy Caedar]

Kendra and Family, So sorry for your loss. Gary will be missed.

[Roxanne Schafer]

I am shocked at this news of Gary’s passing! I am so so sorry and give my condolences to his family and friends! There is so many memories that I could say about Gary! Gary and Kendra were always the Best neighbors at “Camp Weidman”! Gary was the Best cook that I’ve ever known over a campfire! I will always remember him as a very kind, caring man and so welcoming to everyone!! He will never be forgotten!!

[Rich Ritenburgh]

My condolences on your loss, Gary was a good man and will be greatly missed.

[Rick and Suzanne Moore]

Kendra, Andrea, O’Malley, We are so very sorry. Gary was a very special man. So many good memories!

[Craig Snyder]

Prayers and condolences!

[Lori Tideswell]

Kenda, Andrea and Scott I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He was always very kind to me and made me feel welcome in your home. Praying for your family at this time.

[Karen Giles]

Kendra, I am so very sorry for your loss!! Gary was a great person!!

[Danielle Anderson]

Kendra and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and sending prayers.

[Tamey Skinner]

My heart breaks to hear of Griz passing! He truly loved each of his family members especially you so much. Always talked about going up north with the family and having fun! He will keep everyone laughing in heaven!🙏🏼💖 Stay well!

[Tamey Skinner]

My heart breaks to hear of Griz passing! He truly loved each of his family members especially you so much. Always talked about going up north with the family and having fun! He will keep everyone laughing in heaven!🙏🏼💖 Stay well!

[Becky and,Al]

We are so saddened by the loss of Gary. He was a wonderful friend and always brought a smile to everyone he met. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

[Jim & Cecille Bowen]

Kendra - so sorry about Gary’s passing. Prayers for you and your family during these trying times.

[Diane Leiter]

Sincerest condolences to the family. Gary was a sweet guy with a smile for everyone. I doubt he ever "met a stranger". Just know you have some amazing memories to hold him close.

[Ron and Marcie Applebee]

We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Gary. He was such a nice man. We are sending lot of prayers and hugs for all of your family. Please take care and stay safe.

[Ron& Denise graham]

So sorry for your loss griz was the best of guy's in the car pool to work we had alit of fun picking on each other this is such a shock we have your family in on prayers

[Ron & Cheryl Krautstrunk]

Condolences Kendra to you and your family. We know Gary’s passing will leave a hole in the heart of many whose lives he touched. We always had a little good natured back and forth with each other about his favorite U of M Wolverines and our favorite MSU Spartans. May your loving remembrances be with you always.🌹

[Nancy & John Allen]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.May your memories sustain you in the days to come. John & Nancy Allen