Obituary of Willodean Smith

Willodean Smith, 90, of Niles passed away at Lakeland Hospital in Niles on Wednesday, January 13, 2016. Willodean was born on September 22, 1925 to the late Roy and Anna (Tarman) Knapp in Pierceton, Indiana. Shortly after Willodean turned 18 she wed Revy Smith and the two enjoyed 72 wonderful years of marriage together. Willodean was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Anna Knapp; daughter, Sherrian Pegg; Son-in-law, Victor Phillips; and siblings, Marvel, Harold, and Nelson Mishler, Lavon Spriestersbach, Lowell and Merrill Knapp, Carol Cooper and Evelyn Horner. She is survived by her husband, Revy Smith; daughters, Jeanette Phillips of South Bend, Valore (Larry) Barrett of Niles, and Paula (Willis) Rogers of Niles; grandchildren, Sara (Gary) Exum, Christine Phillips, Stefanie (Tyler) Vanhouwlingen, Jeff (Buffy) Hall, Joel (Ashley) Barrett, Micah Barrett, Heidi Bearup, and Benjamin Stephens; great grandchildren, Alexander, Alison, Abigail, Connor, Grace, and one more on the way; and brother, Gerald (Carol) Knapp. Funeral service for Willodean will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel located at 61453 M-51 in Niles at 10:00 a.m. with a time of visitation one hour prior. Pastor David Frazier of Coulter's Chapel, where she faithfully attended, will be officiating. Those wishing to make memorial donations in Willodean's memory may do so to Children's International Lifeline located at 16106 Brookwood Drive, Buchanan, Michigan 49107 or Hope Rescue Mission located at 432 S. Lafayette Blvd.; South Bend, IN 46601.