Marilyn L. Smith

Marilyn was born and raised as one of ten children in Hudsonville, MI. She graduated from Unity Christian School's first class of 1954. She married the love of her life October 25,1955. They were able to celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary this past October. Marilyn and Ron raised their four children in Byron Center, MI, and have been lifelong members of First Byron CRC.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents Herman and Bertha DeVries; in-laws John and Johanna Smith; seven siblings; daughter-in-law, Dawn Smith; and granddaughter, Katie Jo. She is lovingly survived by her husband, Ronald; children Gary and Debi Smith of Brevard, N.C., Jerald and Lori Smith of Wellston, MI, Don and Nancy Smith of Wayland, MI, and Brenda and Bill Schreur of Lowell, MI; 23 grandchildren Jason Smith, Jenelle Smith, John and Amanda Smith, Holly and Hunter Engel, Henry and Sue Smith Lejune, Travis and Margaret Smith, Lacey and Jonah Hoezee, Tony and Skylar Smith, Tanner and Tori Smith, Toby Smith, Joe and Melissa Schreur, Emily and Peter Anderson, Bob Schreur, Rebecca Schreur; 17 great-grandchildren Malachai, Bayley, Cheyenne, Brody, Payton, Riley, Kinsley, Ellery, Wesley, Reed, Wyatt, Remi, Liam, Annabelle, Bridgette, Joel, and Levi; sister and brothers Roger and Jean Vankoevering, Sherwin and Donna DeVries, Marvin and Donna DeVries, Marie DeVries, Ken and Carol Smith; along with several special nieces and nephews.

Marilyn sold Tupperware and worked at Holstege Farms for many years. She loved all her family and was a great baker and homemaker. You could always find Mom in the kitchen baking, canning, or looking at new recipes. She loved helping Dad in the garden, with flowers in the yard, fishing when she could, and camping at their land up north. She was the kind of mom and grandma who sat on the floor and played with you, read books and Bible Stories to you, but most of all she will be remembered for her love for Jesus and that she always shared that love not only her family, but with everyone she met.

A visitation for Marilyn will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Cook Funeral Home - Byron Center Chapel, 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, Michigan 49315. A funeral service will commence 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at First Byron CRC, 8541 Byron Center Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, with visitation one hour prior from 10-11 a.m. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their online guest book.