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Wilma Smith

May 20, 2020
Plainwell, MI

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Wilma Louise Smith (Janke), 85, passed away May 20, 2020. She was born April 19, 1935 in Plainwell, Michigan to the late Lawrence and Margaret (Cutler) Hyder. Her faith in God defined her; her love of family filled her with joy. Wilma was a member of the choir at Calvary Bible Church for many years and loved being part of that ministry. She loved music-especially great hymns of faith. She would often say that all she could do was to "sing from the heart" and she knew that the Lord was okay with that. At just the right time, she met a man, Bill Smith, who changed her life. They quickly fell in love and ultimately married. Their special relationship was evident to everyone they knew. Their bond of love was especially evident to their family. As her decline with Alzheimer's made it difficult for her to read, she was able to quote scripture verses that she had memorized. One special scripture was Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Wilma was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill Smith in 2014; parents; sister, Patricia Fenner; and stepdaughter, Beverly Clements. She is survived by her son, Dave (Miriam) Janke; daughter, Denise (Tony) Garritano; Bill's daughter, Jan (Steve) Bentz and son-in-law, Bill Clements; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Private graveside services will be held for the family at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Crystal Woods at Park Village Pines, 2920 Crystal Lane, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Please visit Wilma's personalized online guestbook at https://www.langelands.com