Edith O. Smith, 91, of Marshall died on Monday, September 13, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family following a short illness. 

Edith was born on January 15, 1930, in Big Springs, Texas to Edwin O. and Gertrude E. (May) Hunt.  She graduated from Sweetwater High School in National City, California in 1947. Edith continued her education earning her Associates Degree from San Diego Junior College in 1949.  Edith first met Ken Smith when he visited her house with a friend who was dating Edith’s sister.  Ken asked Edith out for a date, and he asked her to marry him on the first date!  Ken was persistent and they did marry on February 12, 1949, at her parent’s home in National City, California.  Ken preceded her in death in 1985.

Edith was a stay-at-home mom until her children were all in school.  In 1962, she started working for the United States Postal Service.  She retired in 1990, as a Rural Letter Carrier after working 28 years.  Along with working full time, Edith helped her husband on the farm, and she continued to farm raising hay until 2007.  She served on the Convis Township Board of Review for 23 years as well as many years on the Convis Township Election Committee.  Edith was a 50-year member of the National Rural Letter Carriers Association, a member of the Battle Creek Society of Artists, and the Artistic D.A.M.S.E.L.S.  She enjoyed painting in oil, watercolors, and china painting.  Edith and Ken would travel all over the country collecting rocks and would make lamps from the translucent ones.  Edith especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children, Kathy (David Vanderlip) Smith, Patricia Smith, Margaret Harvey, Steven (Sharon) Smith and Richard  (Janice) Smith; nine grandchildren, Jason Ivey, Joshua Ivey, Eric Harvey, Ryan Bowers, Ryan Harvey, Cecelia Hutchinson, Tara Redmond, Josie Smith, and Eric Smith; and 13 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son Edward L. Smith in 2012; and seven siblings.

Visitation will take place from 2-5pm on Sunday September 19, 2021, at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall MI 49068 with a funeral service taking place at 5pm.  Family will gather with friends following the services at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Service Marshall Chapel Reception Hall. A private Family interment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions are requested to the Oaklawn Hospice, Veterans Service Organization of one’s choice, or to the Marshall Community Foundation for a scholarship.  Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services.  Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at https://www.kempffuneralhome.com