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Joan M. Smith, 87, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away Wednesday morning, March 17, 2010, at Thurston Woods Village of Sturgis.
She was born Aug. 10, 1922, in Sturgis, Mich., a daughter to the late Fred and Cora (Burmeister) Hubner.
Joan was a life long resident of Sturgis and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1940.
On June 22, 1979, she married Donald Smith at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis.
She retired from the City following over 20 years as secretary to the City Manager.
Joan was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis where for several years she and Don served on the money counting committee and at one time she served as the church secretary. She enjoyed playing the piano, gardening both vegetables and flowers and crocheting. Joan truly dedicated to her husband and family and was happiest when she was surrounded by each one of them.
She is survived by her loving and dedicated husband, Don; one daughter, Kristen Whitesell of Sturgis; two sons, Karl (Mary) Littman of Sturgis and Ronald (Darlene) Littman of San Antonio, Texas; four grandchildren, Kristy Borji, Erika Littman, Megan Zagon and Miranda Whitesell; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sylvia Helzel of Franklin, NC and Shirley Young of Plantation, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Coral Meyers; and two brothers, Frederick Hubner Jr. and Loren Hubner.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of Joan M. Smith will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 24, 2010, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Calvin Kolzow will officiate. Private burial of the ashes will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel of Sturgis is handling the arrangements.
