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Doris Smith

December 29, 2019
Portage, MI

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Doris left this earth to join her loved ones in heaven during the early hours of December 29, 2019. She was born in Saginaw, MI on August 9, 1931, the daughter of the late John E. and Frances G. (Prueter) Rethman. On December 13, 1952, Doris married the love of her life, Wesley Al Smith, who sadly preceded her in death on October 31, 1983. She was a soft-spoken lady, who didn't speak unkindly of others and looked for the positives rather than the negatives. Doris had many talents such as drawing, painting, and writing. She also knew her way around the kitchen and had at one time thoughts of opening her own bakery. She had the patience of a saint and the kindness to match. In addition to her family, Doris adored her many feline children over the years. She worked for the village of Paw Paw as the clerk for numerous years until relocating to Kalamazoo. She then worked for Lamplighter Electrical for over 30 years until she retired at the age of 86. Doris was a kind, giving, and nurturing soul who was a mother figure to many. She will be missed immensely by all who knew her. Doris was also preceded in death by her daughter, Connie Garman; grandsons, Anthony Garman and Mitchell W. Smith; brother, Robert Rethman and sister, Kathleen Kowaleski. She leaves behind to cherish her memory two daughters, Diane (Dave) Wiersma and Lynn Lyon and son, Jason (Valerie) Smith; grandchildren, David (Shelley) Warncke, Elizabeth and Travis Garman, Madelyn (James) Ballantyne, Rachel Buck and Lindsey Trepka; great-grandchildren, Landon, Hayden, Wesley, Brantley, Finley, Vayda and Walter; brothers, Jerry (Judy) and John (Stephanie) Rethman; sister, Judy Glesmer and several nieces and nephews. In accordance with her wishes, cremation will take place and a private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to SPCA of Southwest Michigan. Family and friends may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.