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

[Stan Howes]

I was in disbelief when I heard about Gary, Kendra. I'm glad to have had him as a neighbor growing up and we had a LOT of fun getting into trouble. All my thoughts and condolences to you and your family.

[Mike& Cheryl Leight]

So Sorry to hear about the passing of Gary (Griz). we car pooled and worked together for 30 years.super fun guy. loved his stories, he will be greatly missed. our thoughts and prayers go out to Kendra and the family. couldn't have known a better guy.

[Sue (Grandy) Nagtzaam-Engel]

Kendra, Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of your dear Gary. I didn't know Gary very well and after reading all the wonderful things about him I realize it is my loss. God be with you.

[Ken Hart]

Very sad news!! I will miss the golf with you on Monday mornings. Jody and I will look out for your grand daughter Lorelai. Prayers to the family!! RIP

[Jerri vollbach]

Dear kendra and family. I wanted to send my love and condolences. Having been through this, I can relate to what you're going through. Rely on friends and family and God. You are in my prayers! Sincerely, JerriVollbach (ross)

[Ann Hirschman]

I am thinking about you and keeping you in my prayers. Love, Ann Hirschman.

[Ben and Jenny Cooley]

Kendra,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Gary was a wonderful person. Our entire family enjoyed all of our conversations--nothing but a smile each time. We're going to miss looking out the window watching Gary enjoy the snow on his four-wheeler. We're thinking of you and your family. Ben & Jenny Cooley

[Kathy Bongard]

Gary will leave a hole in all the hearts that knew him. His laugh and sense of humor will be a memory I will hold dear.

[David and Bonnie Bowen]

Kendra
So very sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts as the days progress.

[Bill & Kathy Bartosh]

Dear Kendra and family,
We know there is little we can say to console you at a time like this, but we wanted you to know how very sorry and saddened we are in hearing of Gary’s death. We can’t imagine the pain and suffering you are experiencing ` our hearts are hurting, and we share your grief. We know that we must accept his passing and give thanks for the wonderful life he lived. We will always have our memories of Gary to hold in our hearts. We can hear his voice, his laughter, and treasure the times we were together.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you face each day, and in time, we hope for your peace and comfort.
With all our love,
Bill & Kathy

[Dewayne Mills]

Im going to miss you a lot. My hunting buddy, fishing pal , but most of all my my best friend.

[Judy Amendola]

Kendra, I was saddened to learn of Gary's passing. Please pass on my condolences to your family. I will always have happy memories of good times from the Limetree with you and Gary in the middle of it all. Take care of yourself.

[Sandy and Jim Boehm]

Kendra, we were saddened to hear of your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Gary was upbeat and always had a smile on his face. We enjoyed visiting with him everyday, Week 49 at Limetree Beach Resort. Thanks Gary for dropping off a newspaper every morning for many years. Limetree won't be the same without you.
Sandy and Jim Boehm

[Disa Davis-Alspaugh]

Kendra, Barb, Terry & Bub I'm shocked to hear of Gary's passing,My condolences to all. Thoughts & prayers for everybody.

[Mary Laarman]

Kendra, I am so very sorry to hear that Gary has passed. I never saw him after we graduated, but will always remember what a wonderful person he was. May God bless you with His awesome peace.

[Elaine (Gager) Williams]

I am sorry to learn of Gary’s passing. May God’s loving arms hold you & yours close.

[Greg Franich]

Kendra I was sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. We sure did have a lot of fun back in our teenage years . I want you to know that you and your family will be in our prayers.