Marty Smith, 65

Martha (Marty) Jean Bosley Smith, age 65, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2017. Her joys, her sorrows, her memories created a beautifully intricate variety of blocks and colors for her life’s patchwork quilt. Born in Detroit, September 24, 1951 to Delbert and Dorothy (Oestrike) Bosley, Marty graduated in 1969 from Livonia Stevenson High School, Livonia, MI. Following her graduation from MSU in 1973, a Sparty square would be included in the patterns of her life. On August 9, 1975 she was joined in marriage to her love, Steven Owen Smith adding a golden double wedding ring block. Other blocks and pieces followed: being a wife, watching her children grow and mature into fine young adults, integrating her life into First Presbyterian Church, working in capacities that helped others. Her quilt was expanded through camping trips with family and friends, traveling to 49 states, reading and gardening, all adding vibrancy and joy to her life. Darker patches of sorrow were also added when her husband, her mother and father, and her infant son, Kenton Mitchell, preceded her in death. Living with cancer ran like a dark thread through her adulthood but was never used to define a single block of her life.

God gave Marty a gift with the needle and thread and she shared her gift generously with family, Church, friends and many others. Prayer quilts, church banners for many occasions, infant hospital blankets, are just a glimpse of the many ways Marty’s needle have brightened others’ days. Through sewing, quilting, and embroidery she has given gifts that will last through time.

Marty will be missed by her daughter Morgan Marie Smith, her son, Patrick Harrison Smith, sister Barbara Clark, brother Henry (Kathy) Bosley, sisters-in law Susan (Bill) Kerecman, Beth (Eric) Lutz, nieces and nephews, Heather, Alice, Stephanie, Amy, Nathan, Kimberly, Kristopher, great nieces and nephews, as well as, many, many friends.

A memorial service celebrating Marty’s life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church Three Rivers/Centreville, 320 N. Main St, Three Rivers, on Friday, September 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Brenda Deily officiating.

Memorial donations may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers/ Centreville or St. Joseph County Commission on Aging (C.O.A.). Envelopes also available at Hohner Funeral Home in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.hohnerfh.com.