Claudia Smith
Claudia Lucille Smith, a wife and mother who put her family first, passed away on January 5, 2022. Claudia, 90, was born on November 21, 1931, in Bellevue, Michigan to John and Jennie (Nettleton) Morrison.
Claudia built her homemaking skills as a young lady helping to raise her siblings while her parents worked. After she was married, she happily stayed home to raise her children, as well as babysitting for other families. As a good wife, mother, and homemaker she enjoyed time spent in the kitchen or teaching lessons on sewing and other life skills to her children. Some of her children’s favorite memories include time spent together after dinner playing cards or gathered around the TV. Quick with a fly rod, she loved fishing on Narrow Lake with her husband, J.E. both in the boat during the summer and ice fishing in the winter. Rowing the boat correctly was a skill J.E. and Claudia taught their children so they could troll across the lake. A spotless housekeeper, which she learned as a child, Claudia enjoyed keeping the home perfect. She loved gardening, raising Tulips, Gladiolas, Iris’ and Moon Flowers.
Claudia is survived by her daughter, Shirley VanVleet; son, Floyd (Patricia) Smith; grandchildren, Rebecca Reid, Marjorie (Chris) Bashaw, Jeremy (Jennifer) VanVleet, Caitlyn Smith and Lance Smith; great-grandchildren, Samantha (Deven) Hoag, Jake Smith, Richard Harris Jr., Thomas Reid; great-great-grandchildren, Carter Smith, Hunter Hoag, McKenzie Hoag, Scarlett Harris, Violett Harris; brother, Roger (Patricia) Morrison; and brothers-in-law, Harry Smith and Chet Miller. She was predeceased by her husband, J.E. Smith; daughter, Marjanna “Jan” Smith; and her great–grandson, Jayden Smith.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Claudia’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family received visitors at Pray Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. A memorial service followed with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating, interment in Benton Township Cemetery. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Claudia’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.