Maruta Laurens (Saints)

Passed away Friday morning, October 12, 2018. Maruta was born October 13th, 1953 in Kalamazoo, MI the daughter of the late Vilhelms and Alma (Pukite) Smits. She spent her career working for Cardiology Associates and the Heart Center of Kalamazoo. Maruta was a caring wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Family was always Maruta's top priority in life as she loved caring for and creating wonderful memories we will always cherish. On June 10, 1972 Maruta was united in marriage to her loving husband of nearly 50 years, Janis "Jake" Laurens who survives. Also surviving are her sons, Janis Laurens (Mara Leimanis), Andrejs (Tegan) Laurens; 2 grandchildren, Ella and Olivia; her brother, Janis Smits; and many other loving family members. Maruta fought a courageous battle with stage 4 colon cancer during the last 16 years of her life. Maruta is very thankful for the care she received from all of the doctors, nurses and staff from West Michigan Cancer Center and Bronson Hospital, with a special thank you to Dr. Marcia Liepman who helped provide care and support to extend her life. Services will be held at 11:00am Tuesday, October 16 at the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran United Church, 118 S. Kendall Dr. with Pastor Aija Graham officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be sent to the Kalamazoo Latvian Evangelical United Church or the Latvian Center Garezers. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. To view Maruta's personalized guestbook please visit www.langelands.com.