Gertrude Smith

Obituary of Gertrude Smith Houghton Mrs. Gertrude R. Smith, 84, formerly a well known resident of Arbor Green, Houghton, passed away early Sunday morning, January 9, 2005, at the Portage Health Systems Hospital, where she had been a patient. Previously she was a resident patient at Portage Pointe in Hancock. The former Gertrude R. Palmer was born in Painesdale, on November 3, 1920, a daughter of the late Charles and Henrietta (Spurr) Palmer, and graduated from the Painesdale High School. For most of her lifetime she resided in Houghton. Her late husband Bernhard Smith, whom she was married to for 62 years preceded her in death on October 10, 2001. Gert was a former member of the Houghton City Council for 16 years, a member of the Houghton City Housing Commission, a member of the Stillwaters Board, and a member of the board of the local Community Action Agency. She was preceded in death by 1 daughter, Jackie Kemper; a granddaughter, Stephanie Kemper; her husband; her parents; 4 brothers, Osborne Palmer, Charles Palmer, Walter Palmer, & Robert Palmer; and 3 sisters, Agnes Palmer, Alice Hairfield, and Lillian Trudgeon. Surviving are: 1 Daughter; Mrs. Trudi Newhouse of Livonia, 3 Sons; Ben (Mary) Smith of Lake Linden, Bruce (Neldine) Smith of West Bend, Wisconsin, Robert (Barbara) Smith of Christiansburg, Virginia, 12 Grandchildren Several Great Grandchildren, 1 Sister; Mrs. Esther (Stan) Kuopus of Houghton, numerous nieces & nephews. As Gert and the family requested the body will be cremated, and there will be no funeral or visitation. A memorial service is planned for the near future by the family. The family is being served by the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock. Relatives & friends may view Gert's obituary & send condolences to the immediate family at www.memorialchapel.net. To send flowers to the family of Gertrude Smith, please visit Tribute Store