Arlene Marie Smith
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 106%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"> </span></strong><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 106%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">Arlene Marie Smith, 92, of East Leroy, passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 106%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"> A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation, 1276 Tate Trail in Union City, with Pastor Sandra Gastian officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2022 from 4-8:00 PM, also at Lighthouse in Union City. Private interment will be at North Athens Cemetery at a later date. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 106%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"> Arlene was born May 7, 1930 in Fulton, Michigan to Archie and Rose (Weaver) Preston and attended Athens Area Schools. On January 14, 1948, Arlene married Kenneth Charles Burgett in Athens. He preceded her in death in 1978. In 1986, she married Alfred Smith, who preceded her in death in 2000. Arlene worked as a cook and waitress at many restaurants, including the Copper Kettle and Tee Gee’s in Athens. For two years, she owned and operated The Family Inn in Athens. She was known for her homemade pies and potato salad. Arlene also cleaned homes, mainly those of Athens and Union City teachers. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 106%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">Having several family members in the military fueled Arlene’s patriotism. She was a lifelong member of the Athens VFW #5319 Auxiliary, where she held many offices and was the flagbearer in many parades. Those in the service looked forward to receiving her special care packages. She was also a member of the Athens Lions Club. Arlene spoke her mind; she could be feisty and stubborn; but she was always laughing and ready to lend a helping hand. Her love for her grandkids knew no boundaries.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 106%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">Left to cherish Arlene’s memory are her children, Robert (Linda) Burgett of Union City, Michael Burgett of Gun Lake and Kristine (Duane) Watkins of East Leroy; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and her good friends, Joanna Royer and Leona Case, both of Burlington.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 106%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">In addition to her husbands, Kenneth Burgett and Alfred Smith, Arlene was preceded in death by her sons, Larry Burgett and James Burgett; a daughter-in-law, Susan Burgett; a granddaughter, Holly Jo Burgett; and siblings, Howard Preston, Victor Preston, Bernadine Mears and Leonard Preston.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 106%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">Memorial donations are suggested to the Athens Alumni Association, c/o Nancy Keeton, 220 R Drive South, Fulton, MI 49052.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/arlene-marie-smith-funeral-service">CLICK HERE FOR LIVESTREAM</a><br /></span></p>Obituary
Arlene Marie Smith, 92, of East Leroy, passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation, 1276 Tate Trail in Union City, with Pastor Sandra Gastian officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2022 from 4-8:00 PM, also at Lighthouse in Union City. Private interment will be at North Athens Cemetery at a later date.
Arlene was born May 7, 1930 in Fulton, Michigan to Archie and Rose (Weaver) Preston and attended Athens Area Schools. On January 14, 1948, Arlene married Kenneth Charles Burgett in Athens. He preceded her in death in 1978. In 1986, she married Alfred Smith, who preceded her in death in 2000. Arlene worked as a cook and waitress at many restaurants, including the Copper Kettle and Tee Gee’s in Athens. For two years, she owned and operated The Family Inn in Athens. She was known for her homemade pies and potato salad. Arlene also cleaned homes, mainly those of Athens and Union City teachers.
Having several family members in the military fueled Arlene’s patriotism. She was a lifelong member of the Athens VFW #5319 Auxiliary, where she held many offices and was the flagbearer in many parades. Those in the service looked forward to receiving her special care packages. She was also a member of the Athens Lions Club. Arlene spoke her mind; she could be feisty and stubborn; but she was always laughing and ready to lend a helping hand. Her love for her grandkids knew no boundaries.
Left to cherish Arlene’s memory are her children, Robert (Linda) Burgett of Union City, Michael Burgett of Gun Lake and Kristine (Duane) Watkins of East Leroy; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and her good friends, Joanna Royer and Leona Case, both of Burlington.
In addition to her husbands, Kenneth Burgett and Alfred Smith, Arlene was preceded in death by her sons, Larry Burgett and James Burgett; a daughter-in-law, Susan Burgett; a granddaughter, Holly Jo Burgett; and siblings, Howard Preston, Victor Preston, Bernadine Mears and Leonard Preston.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Athens Alumni Association, c/o Nancy Keeton, 220 R Drive South, Fulton, MI 49052.
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