Marple Smith

Marple Smith

September 27, 1947 - July 5, 2026

Marple “Marp” Smith, 78, of Fairview, MI passed away on July 5, 2026 at MediLodge of Tawas City, MI.

He was born in Sellersville, PA, a son of the late John Matthew and Lizzie Mae (Freed) Smith.

Marp attended Pennridge High School, class of 1965, followed by a year-and-a-half at Messiah College in Grantham, PA.

In 1968, while living in Denver, CO, Marp met and fell for Sharyn Handrich, originally from Fairview, Michigan. They were married on September 6, 1969 and spent the next 56 years building their lives together in Colorado, Pennsylvania and Michigan. He worked hard his entire life as an ornamental iron fabricator, welder, and bender builder. After retirement, he took up wood working. His mind was sharp, often showing up in his dry, perfectly-timed humor and very precise way of doing every task, even the smallest ones. Marp, a man of faith, loved to sing, sharing his talent in a gospel quartet and for many years as a chorister at Fairview Mennonite Church. He also enjoyed cruising with Sharyn on their Harley, baseball, airplanes and flying, and spending time with family, especially with his children and grandchildren.

Marp is survived by Sharyn, who lovingly cared for him, especially during the last few years as his health declined. Other survivors include his daughters Lauren Ubaldo and Megan Smith Andedo, both of South Bend, IN, grandchildren Ezra and Eli Andedo, brother Marvin and his wife Lavonne, of Silverdale, PA, sister Ruth Ann Sigler, of South Williamsport, PA, sister-in-law Gladys Smith, of Washington Twp, MI, son-in-law Jose Luis Ubaldo Arriaga, of Seattle, WA, and many other loving in-laws and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters Lois Hunsberger, Dorothy Newby, Grace Tate, and Miriam Smith, brothers Robert, Merrill, Douglas, David, and John Smith, and son-in-law Dave Andedo.

Cremation has taken place with a celebration of life planned for July 25th, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the home Marp and Sharyn built: 1779 Henry St, Fairview, MI. Please bring your own camping/lawn chair. A meal will follow at Fairview Mennonite Church, 1583 N Abbe Rd, Fairview, MI. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be moved to Fairview Mennonite Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Mennonite Central Committee at mcc.org .

Arrangements handled by Lashley Funeral Home of Mio, MI.