Obituary of Barbara L. Smith

Barbara L. (Swem) Smith, 84, of Niles passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2015 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Barb was born to the late Lowell and Meryle (Pletcher) Swem on July 29, 1931 in New Troy, Michigan. Barb and LeRoy met in school and it was love at first sight. Barb knew he would be the one and the high school sweethearts wed on August 8, 1953 at a ceremony in Buchanan, Michigan at the First United Methodist Church. Barb graduated from Buchanan High School, class of 1949, and received her teaching degree in 1953 from Western Michigan University. For over 18 years Barb owned and operated her own nursery school. Barb has been a nurturer and caregiver all of her life; growing up in Swem Funeral Home she learned firsthand the responsibility of caring for those in need. This continued as the couple owned and operated Pifer-Smith Funeral Home in Niles for many years. In her time away from the nursery school and funeral home Barb and LeRoy also loved traveling in their motor home all over the United States, Canada and Alaska; they also enjoyed spending many winters in Palm Desert, California. She was a member of the Couple's Bridge Club for over 50 years and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Niles since 1973. She was an active volunteer in her community and church, always giving of her time and abilities. She was an avid tennis player, thoroughly enjoyed downhill skiing and had a love for music, playing both the piano and organ. Barb will be remembered by her friends and family for always having a listening ear, giving great counsel, and developed long lasting relationships with loving people. Preceding Barb are her parents; her husband, B. LeRoy Smith; and sister-in-law Becky Swem. She is survived by her three children, Bruce Smith (David Robrecht) of Washington, D.C., Thomas (Lisa) Smith of Adrian, Michigan, and Tamara (Kim) Tracy of Hayden, Idaho. Barb is also survived by her brother, Richard "Dick" Swem of Buchanan; grandchildren, Colin Smith of Denver, Colorado, Anna Smith of Niles, and Amy (Rodney) Greene of Princeton, Texas; great-grandson, Landon; as well as many nieces, nephews and countless lives that were touched by Barb. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Barb may do so to Hospice at Home or the Foundation of the First Presbyterian Church of Niles. A time of visitation will be held at Brown Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Niles. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, in a private interment.