Janet Mae Smith

Janet Mae Smith, wife of Richard Paul Smith, passed away peacefully in Battle Creek on Friday, September 2, 2022, at the age of 87. Janet was born April 2, 1935, in Albion, Michigan, the middle child of Albert Edmond Osmun and Donna Worth Bates (Donna’s birth name was Strunk, and she was later adopted by her mother’s second husband). Albert and Donna gave a name starting with “J” to all their children: Jean, Joan, Janet, Jim, and Jackie. Janet grew up in Albion and remained in nearby communities in southern Michigan, although she did reside for a brief time in Texas, Mississippi, Kentucky, and North Carolina. During her school years, she lived for extended periods with her uncle and aunt, Richie and Irene Ray (Osmun). She graduated from Albion Senior High School in 1953.

During her early adult years, she concentrated her attention on raising her five children, and once they were in school, went to work for employers such as Consumer’s Power, Union Steel (switchboard operator and secretary to the president), Chemical Bank, and later retired from Albion College.

Janet was very personable and had many lifetime friends, which she held in high regard. Her affable nature made her well liked. She cared for her aunt Elaine Osmun who was housebound for the last two years of her life, until Elaine’s passing in 2003. She loved her bird houses, feeders, flowers, and road trips. She was outgoing, easy to talk to, helpful, and gracious toward the people around her.

Janet is survived by her husband Richard, sister Jackie Osmun Slaughter, children Denise Hays (Craig), Jon Laughrey (Vevencia), Lisa Laughrey (Tom Lamphere), Lori Ortiz (Edwin), Tina Barnes (Rick), many nieces and nephews, eleven grandchildren, and fifteen great grandchildren, all of whom loved her.

The family is being served by J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Dr., Albion, MI