Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Smith, Clara Mae (Hickman) March 23, 2025
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Patricia Currigan currigan1932@concast.net May 7, 2025, 11:22 am

Ionia Shopper's Guide - Sat.  March 29, 2025

                    SMITH

Clara Mae (Hickman) Smith age 103 of Saranac, MI went to be with her Lord and 
Savior with family by her side on Sunday, March 23,2025. She was born on June 
19, 1921, in Denver,Colorado, the daughter of Alfred and Clara Mae (Notzen) 
Hickman.Clara grew up in Chicago,IL and attended school there.She married Norman 
Martin and had 2 children and later moved to Michigan and married Artie Smith on 
October 5, 1946, at the Saranac Community Church by Rev.Glenn McCarty. He 
preceded her in death on June 10, 1985.

Clara's parents managed the Ionia County Farm (Infirmary) for many years, and 
she would assist there, helping with the needs of the residents and preparing 
meals, especially on holidays and special events. Her main job was taking care 
of the home and raising seven children. She enjoyed her years as a cub scout Den 
mother and the many years she lived at the Saranac Housing where she played 
Bingo and spent time with the numerous friends she had there.She was a member of 
St.Anthony's Catholic Church and Boston Historical Society.


Surviving Clara are her children, Norma Martin of Florida, Alvin (Anne)Smith of 
Saranac, Marlene (David) Courter of Saranac, Brenda Spicer of Bitely, Marty 
(Carrie) Smith of Saranac and Christine Comer of Belding. Grandchildren,Johnna 
Hillis, Dawn Hillis, Brian(Teresa) Hillis, Jackie Hillis, Joel (Darcie) Smith, 
Jason (Stephanie)Smith Shannon (Amy Rusnell)Courter, Stacy (Drew Engen) Fisher, 
Sara (Brandon) Bowen, Brad (Amber) Courter, Mandy (Russ) Straub, David (Nicole) 
Bartosh, Marty Smith, Joshua (Susan) Smith, Jennifer (Joel) Miller and Austin 
(Diana) Comer, 42 great-grandchildren, 41 great-great-grandchildren and 1 great-
great-great-grandchild. Several special nieces and nephews and great-nieces and 
nephews. Special friends Don and Carol Benjamin.

She was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Clara Mae Hickman, husband 
Artie Smith, son Ronald Martin, Brothers Charles Hickman and Albert Hickman and 
sister Marie Tinsley.

A special thank you to the staff at Corewell health long-term care on Kalamazoo 
for their care and compassion for our mother. In addition, the wonderful care 
and comfort from the Corewell Hospice group during the last few months.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St.Anthony's Catholic Church on 
Friday, April 4th at 11:00 am with Father Michael Goodwin presiding. A 
visitation will be held at Lake Funeral Home in Saranac on Thursday from 5-7 pm 
and 1 hour prior to services at the church. Those wishing may make memorial 
contributions to St.Antony's Catholic Church or Corewell Hospice. Online 
condolences may be made at www.lakefuenralhomes.com



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