Donna Mae Smith

Donna Mae Smith, 72, of Cedarville, Michigan, died April 21, 2016 at Cedar Cove Assisted Living. Donna was born August 28, 1943 in Saginaw, Michigan to Elroy and Ethel (McLennan) Mielke. Donna moved with her family up to Hawks, Michigan, and then on to Hessel where she attended Hessel Elementary School. She attended Les Cheneaux Schools in Cedarville, where she graduated in 1961. In 1962 she married Donald E. Smith and to this union, two children were born. Donna lived in Cedarville her entire adult life. She provided day-care in their home for many children and also generously opened their home for anyone needing a place to stay. Care giving was one of her special gifts. After hearing someone in a household was sick, she would often show up at the door with a smile, prayer, and homemade chicken soup. Donna enjoyed fishing, gardening, attending high school sporting events, (especially those of her grandson’s), volunteering at community events, traveling, and visiting family and friends. She owned and operated Rainbow Bait and Tackle in Cedarville, where she made lasting friendships and shared many fishing tales. She also shared her rhubarb and garden harvests with her Bay Street neighborhood. She was a member of the Ambulance Corp and was proud of the 20 years of service for her community. She was an active member of the First Union Church in Cedarville, and later became a member of Les Cheneaux Christian Fellowship Church. In 2005 her husband Don died. Donna loved people. Most importantly she loved the Lord Jesus Christ and spent her life serving Him. Donna died from complications of Lewy Body Dementia after several years of battling the disease. Donna is survived by her son; Donald “Digger” (Kristi Steffen) Smith of Cedarville; daughter, Nina (Phil) Stevenson of Tipton, Michigan; two grandchildren, Nathan (Tristina) Smith of Gulfport, Mississippi, and Dylan McDonald of Cedarville; and two great grandchildren, Laila and Owen Smith. She is further survived by her brother Gary (Elaine) Mielke, of Lady Lake, Florida; and four sisters, Susan (Barney) Wygant of Richwood, Ohio, Barb (Colin) Kelly of Mattawan, Michigan, Ruth (Jim) Bolin of Canton, South Dakota, Mickey (Mike) Bickham of Hessel; and numerous nieces and nephews and their children. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Donald E. Smith; nephew, Luke Bickham; and nieces, Deb Ackley, and Kim Wygant. Memorials may be directed to the Clark Township Ambulance and Fire Department. Services for Donna will be held on Saturday April 30, 2016, at R. Galer Funeral Home at 24549 S. M-129, Pickford, MI, 49774. Visitation will be from 11 A.M. until 1 P.M. Funeral Service will begin at 1 P.M. with the Pastor Scout Hester officiating. Burial will be in Edgewood Cedar Cemetery in Cedarville. R. Galer Funeral Home in Pickford, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.

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Donna Mae Smith

August 28, 1943 - April 21, 2016