Kathleen J. Smith

Kathleen J. ""Joie"" (Blamer) Smith, age 67, of Fairview, passed away Sunday, November 22, 2009, at Medilodge Nursing Center in Hillman, MI.
Visitation Friday, November 27, 2009 from 10 AM â?? 2 PM at the Comins Mennonite Church; where Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM. Interment at Fairview Cemetery.
Joie was the daughter of Clara (Musselman) and John Blamer; born on September 28, 1942 in Standish, MI. She married Henry ""Hank"" Smith on October 6, 1962 at the Mio Methodist Church. Together they had 3 children: Bob-born July 22, 1963; Henry-born January 10, 1965; and Melanie-born December 21, 1970. Joie worked in factories downstate in Lapeer from 1962-1968. On Easter Weekend, 1968, she had a factory accident which resulted in her left arm being amputated. She and Henry moved back home with their two boys and bought the farm where the family lives today. They had their daughter Melanie soon after. Joie and Henry had two foster children, David and Kenny Orchard, in their care for about ten months. They were then adopted. A while later, they took in Hankâ??s brotherâ??s kids: Ed, Jim, and Samantha Smith; after their fatherâ??s death. The kids lived with Joie and Hank for about two years; they got along well, as the kids were all about the same age. When the kidsâ?? mother remarried, she took them back home with her. Joie was very active in the 4-H horse club. She rode horses a lot; she even went on the Bicentennial Wagon Train trip with the 4-H group for about 2 weeks. She also worked as a cook in many restaurants. She cooked at the AuSable Valley Nursing Home in Fairview for a couple of years, and also at the Comins Nutrition Center. She joined the Comins Mennonite Church. She always tried to learn new hobbies: she worked at ceramics and loved it! She also made an afghan for each one of her 12 grandkids. She included a card about them and Grandma in each; telling them how much she loved them.
Joie is survived by her husband Hank; her children: Bob (Dawn); Henry (Andrea); and Melanie. She also leaves 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Medilodge of Hillman, 631 Caring St. Hillman, MI 49746; the American Cancer Society 525 W. 14th St., Ste.. 5, Traverse City, MI 49684; or to the American Diabetes Association 30200 Telegraph Rd, Ste.. 105, Bingham Farms, MI 48025.
Arrangements Lashley Funeral Home, Mio.