Linda (Petoskey) Smith

Linda Lou Petoskey Smith entered earthly life on December 8, 1942, in Clare, Michigan the daughter of Wendell and Dortha (Lytle) Petoskey. She entered eternal life on April 9, 2020, at Warwick Living Center in Alma, Michigan. In her tender years she gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite at Harrison, Michigan on November 25, 1955, by Minister Newell Litwiller. She completed her formal education at Harrison High School and later graduated from Alma School of Practical Nursing. In her early 30s she moved to Montezuma, Kansas where she was employed as a nurse at Bethel Home. There she made lasting friendships which she treasured until the last. On September 26, 1988, Linda married Robert Smith in Houston, Texas. He passed away shortly after with complications from receiving a heart transplant. He was greatly missed. She was re-accepted into the church fellowship on June 29, 1997, by Minister Glenn Smith of the Homeland Congregation at Montezuma, Kansas. This congregation was home to her at the time. In the fall of 2008, she returned to Michigan to be near family and moved into a senior apartment complex in Mount Pleasant. Life held many tests and trials in which she was not always successful, but her goal was to be a faithful Christian. We noticed a deeper depth of consecration in her as she prepared to leave this world. She fixed her eyes on the goal and longed to go to her Heavenly home during her last days on this earth. Linda is survived one sister, Carla Hilyard of Clare, Michigan; sisters-in-law, Maxine Benner of Middleton, Michigan, Valerie Petoskey of Wichita, Kansas; her step children: Judy and Tom Collins of Wilkinson, Indiana; Mary Kopf of Belleville, Illinois; Bary and Marilyn Smith of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Gary and Carol Smith of Dupo, Illinois; and several nieces, nephews, and close friends. She developed close family ties with the Clarence Schneider family, whom she lived with for 7 years. This bond stayed with her the rest of her life and she named them as part of her family circle. Linda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; two brothers; two sisters; two infant siblings; 2 brothers-in-law; one stepson; one stepson-in-law; and many other dear loved ones. We as a family wish to thank her friend and neighbor Virgilene for her many acts of kindness, also Samantha, Jolene, everyone at Heartland Hospice, staff at Warwick Living Center, and tribal nurse, Sue, for the tender loving care she received. It was very much appreciated. Private funeral services will be held at the Newark Mennonite Church on Monday, April 13, 2020, at 10:30 A.M. with Minister Luther Smith, Minister Richard Mininger, and Deacon Steve Isaac officiating. Burial will take place at Cedar Crest Mennonite Cemetery in Harrison with Minister Keith Litwiller officiating. Those desiring may make contributions in Lindas honor to Maple View Assisted Living or Heartland Hospice.