Bertha Darlene Smith 83, of Greenville passed away peacefully December 31, 2010 at Spectrum East-Blodgett Campus with her loving children at her side.
Bertha was born November 14, 1927 at Morley the daughter of the late Walter and Lorna (Schalow) Johnston. She graduated from Morley High School in 1947.
On June 24, 1949 at the home of her parents, Bertha married Richard L. Smith. They were married fifty-five years and enjoyed traveling, fishing, and time at their cottage with family and friends. They were extremely active in the lives and activities of their grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bertha was preceded in death by her husband on August 7,2004, a brother Carl Johnston, and three brothers-in-law; Kenneth Rasmussen, David Hopkins and Norman Leonard.
Bert retired from General Motors after thirty years of employment. She was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Greenville and an energetic member of the Red Hat Society until her illness.
Bert loved MSU basketball and football and was a huge fan and supporter of the Greenville Yellow Jackets.
She truly loved her visits with her siblings who brought her much happiness. Bert enjoyed working in her flowers and shopping. She was the best grandmother and had wonderful relationships with all her grandchildren. They were the light of her life.
She was blessed to have such wonderful neighbors and friends and often spoke of how grateful she was for them. Family was her priority and she has left them all with many treasured memories.
Bertha is survived by her two daughters; Sandra (Steven) Krampe of Cascade and Susan (Brian) Gladding of Greenville, four grandchildren; Heather (Eric) Jones of Greenville, Holly (Steven) Reeves of Belding, Steven (Lindsey) Krampe of Dallas, TX and Justin (Erinn) Krampe of Fort Worth TX, great grandchildren; Kyle, Shelby and Rylie Jenks of Greenville, Haylie and Dayton Reeves of Belding, Grace and Brienna Jones of Greenville, sisters and brothers; Doris Rasmussen of Greenville, Joyce (Wayne) Wright, Maxine Leonard,all of Lakeview,Pauline Hopkins of Jenison, Clare(Ruth) Johnston of Sand Lake, sister-in-law, Margaret (Russell) Rasmussen of Lakeview and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be on Thursday January 6, 2011 at 1 PM from Hurst Funeral Home with her pastor, Rev. Steve Charnley officiating. Burial will be in East Montcalm Cemetery, Greenville. Visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday from 6 to 8 PM at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials be given to the American Red Cross Blood Program.
