Obituary for Lois Lorraine (VanAmburg) Smith

Lois Lorraine (VanAmburg) Smith of Crystal, Michigan, age 87, entered into her Heavenly home on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 and is now celebrating in the presence of Jesus, her Lord and Savior. She was born June 29, 1935, the daughter of Clarence and Clela VanAmburg. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and loved by all of her family and friends. She enjoyed many years working at the Portland elementary schools in the lunch program. Her grandkids were so proud to be able to tell their friends that their grandma was the lunch lady. She was a woman of great faith whose generosity and service blessed all who knew her. Her greatest joy in life was her family and she had a gift for making each of them feel special. Her Godly example of unconditional love leaves behind a legacy that will impact generations to come. Although Lois lived in Portland, MI most of her life, she loved living in Crystal her last two years where all four of her daughters live. They enjoyed golf cart rides for ice cream, music in the park, boat rides, lots of card games and marbles, and many visits with all her grandkids and great grandkids. She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Smith; her son-in-law, Gus Pline; her parents, and siblings, Elaine Thrasher, Georgia Haines, Arleta Reddin, Doris Babbitt and Don VanAmburg. Surviving are her daughters, Cindy (Ken) Lawless, Robin Pline, Terri (Douglas) Hill, and Janice (Matthew) Newman; 14 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Carolyn (Smith) Cross. The Memorial Service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at the Portland Mt. Hope Church. The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, February 13, 2023, at the Lehman Funeral Homes, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ionia Freedom Acres School (where great granddaughter Sammy Johnson attends) or the Portland Athletic Association in memory of Lois. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.