Stuart Smith

Stuart Smith was a quiet, responsible man who loved his family dearly. Often described as a man of few words, Stuart was quiet and private, but when he did speak his words were careful and to the point. With a love for horses and traveling, Stuart sacrificed his time throughout his life, and worked hard to provide for the family that he loved. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Stuart will be dearly missed. .

In the year 1930, when Stuart's story begins, the nation was in shock, desperately trying to recover after the stock market crash of 1929. United States citizens looked to their government for aid and relief. Unfortunately, despite federal efforts, unemployment continued to soar, and the nation began to prepare itself for many years of hardship. In St. Johns, Michigan, Melvin and Lorene (Wyman) Smith were distracted from the troubles around them, instead focusing on preparing their home for the arrival of a new family member. One fall day, on September 19, 1930, Lorene brought a new baby into the world, a son named Stuart.

Stuart was the second of Melvin and Lorene's three children, and spent his childhood on his family's farm in rural St. Johns with his older sister, Shirley, and younger sister, Sybil. As a farm child, Stuart developed a strong work ethic, as well as a love for animals. He helped his father milk and bring in the cows, and helped with other chores as well. Stuart held a special love for horses, and was thrilled when his father got him his own racehorse, Lady, in exchange for field work. Stuart was a free spirit, and had no reserves when it came to horses. He loved Lady, but later got a frisky horse instead, and left Lady for his sisters to ride. Stuart and his family were somewhat isolated because of where they lived, and Stuart attended a one room schoolhouse, where he was the only child in his grade. An obedient, responsible child, Stuart excelled at math, a skill which would serve him well as a pipe fitter later in life. When he was older, Stuart attended Maple Rapids High until it burnt down in his 10th year. He finished up his schooling at Rodney B. Wilson High.

While Stuart was still in high school, he was introduced to a young woman named Arlene by his friends. The two were smitten, and went to a dance at Rodney B. Wilson High together for their first date. Fortunately, Stuart's dancing skills weren't Arlene's only criteria for a good match; she always said that he was a good enough dancer, just as long as she was able to lead. The two dated for a year, and then one fall day, on October 10, 1948, they were joined in marriage.

Stuart and Arlene began their life together in a farm house owned by Stuart's parents. Always a hard worker, Stuart worked seven days a week for many years. He would work twelve hour shifts at Oldsmobile before returning home to take care of the animals on the farm. After a short time, Stuart and Arlene decided to start a family, and had four wonderful children together. Family was always important to Stuart, and he felt that the best way to show his love was to work hard and provide for them. But Stuart was a strong, dependable father who was always there for his children when they needed him. A man of few words, Stuart was quick to get to the point when he offered advice.

After 31 years at Oldsmobile, Stuart retired at the age of 48, and was glad to finally be able to do the things he really enjoyed, like working with horses and traveling with his wife. Throughout his life, horses were Stuart's main source of entertainment. Stuart was an avid trail rider and also enjoyed taking trips with Arlene, but never wanted to leave his horses for too long. Stuart and Arlene also shared a love for genealogy, and were determined to crack the Smith line. Unfortunately, in the last year, Stuart's health began to fail, and his family noticed that he had started to slow down. With a quiet stubbornness, Stuart disliked going to the doctor, and never complained. He died peacefully in Owosso, Michigan on February 21, 2011 with his family at his side.

For Stuart Smith, nothing in life could bring more satisfaction than knowing you had provided for those that you loved. A private, quiet man who loved horses and traveling, Stuart showed great love and responsibility throughout his life, and was a wonderful example to his children and grandchildren. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Stuart will be dearly missed.

Stuart is survived by his wife, the former Arlene Conley, two daughters; Cindy (Michael) Wright of Fowler, Rev. Wendy ( Rev. Anthony) Buonodono of Elgin Texas, son, Jeffrey (Lisa) Smith of St. Johns, sisters, Shirley (Wheeler) Wilson, Sybil Glowacki,brother in law, Edgar Conley, grandchildren, Spencer (Melissa) Wright, Michelle (Frank) Upton, Melissa (Aaron) Hetherington, Marla Buonodono, Barry Smith, Tyler Smith, Andrea Smith, Rachel Smith, Devin Smith, Taya Smith, great grandchildren, Jaren Argersinger, Nicholas and Grace Wright, Emily and Megan Upton, Paige and Ryder Hetherington. Stuart was preceded in death by his parents, son, Barry, and granddaughters, Stacy Wright and Cindy Buonodono.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 25, 2011, at The Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns, Pastor Kathy Leydorf officiating with a special service by Stuart and Arlene’s daughter and son in law, Rev. Wendy and Rev. Anthony Buonodono. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest cemetery. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., on Thursday, at The Osgood Funeral Home. To learn more about Stuart and to view his Life Story film, visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can also archive a photo or memory and sign the online guestbook.