Alvie J. Smith

Alvie J Smith of Clare left this earth on August 10, 2014, to join hands with his beloved wife Ruth, who preceded him in death by three years. On August 13th, the family will celebrate the long life of their beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great, great-grandfather. After 91 years of providing support, love, memories and companionship he passed away peacefully after fellowship with his family. As the keystones of their family, Alvie and Ruth provided good role models in their marriage. They were joined in true unending partnership – from building their own house to raising their family, to finding comfort in difficult times from each other. Through their grit, determination and hard work, they built a strong foundation for their home and their family Alvie shared his love for music from early days, tuning guitars for his cousin, playing music with his father, brothers and sisters, and later listening to jams at his cousin’s camper at the Evart Dulcimer Festival. His many talents as tool and die maker, woodworker, welder, house builder, and general metal worker caused him to see potential in objects others could not, driving his many collections from tools to musical instruments. His vision of that potential opened a limitless horizon of projects and opportunities. He was a Life Member of the Clare Rod and Gun Club and enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. Born to Jacob and Rena Smith in Grand Rapids on April 23, 1923, he was the eldest of six children surviving to adulthood. Raised in Lake Station, he met his sweetheart when working for her father as a mechanic and was married to Ruth Beebe on June 6, 1948. Early in their marriage they moved to North Mission Rd where they lived most of their 63 years together. He is survived by his children, Ruth Anne (Duke) Maniteau of Lake, Susan Smith (Frank Amrhein) of Flint, David (Marilyn) Smith of Beaverton, Douglas (Lynn) Smith of Grand Haven; his grandchildren, Cay (Pat) Marchiando, Cari Manito, Chana (Jason) Black, Josh and Carl Amrhein and Jada Smith, Kaitlyn, Megan and Grant Smith, Emma and Kedrick Smith; his great-grandchildren Brittany (Grant) Pohl, Jessica and Joe Marchiando, Chinodin, Ozaawagiizhig, Naawidegiizhig and Naawikichigaamii Manito, Christopher and Trent Black; his great-great grandsons, Grayden and Tanner Pohl; his sister Lila Galloway, and sisters through family Donna and Barbara Smith along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, his sisters Dona Farrell, Loraine Smith, his brothers, Lewis and Dewey Smith and his grandson Christopher Maniteau. Visitation and funeral services will be held at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home, 1005 N McEwan Street, Clare. Family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday, August 12th between 4 and 8 p.m and prior to the funeral services on Wednesday, August 13th at 3 p.m. with the services to begin at 4 p.m. Internment will take place in the Garfield Township Cemetery immediately following services. Family and friends will gather afterwards in fel-lowship for dinner at the Lake Eagles Banquet Facility. Those so desiring may choose to follow the family’s tradition of making contributions to St. Jude's Children Hospital in memory of the deceased in lieu of flowers. An on-line guestbook can be found at www.stephenson-wyman.com.

Alvie J. Smith

April 23, 1923 - August 10, 2014