Barbara M. Smith

Barbara M. Smith, 91, of Battle Creek, died April 27, 2026. Barb was born February 12, 1935 in Battle Creek to Darwin and Ruth (Gerrie) Pettibone. She graduated from Battle Creek Central High School and a couple of years later married Clinton Smith on June 4, 1955. Barb and Clint stayed in the Battle Creek area where they raised their family.

Barb enjoyed camping, traveling and square and round dancing. Barb had the honor of being inducted to the Bailey Park Wall of Fame. She was a member of the Verona PTA and a lifelong member of the Battle Creek First Presbyterian Church.

Barb is survived by her five children, Terry (Jo Ellen) Smith, Linda (Roger) Bays, Mark Smith, Kenneth (Lori) Smith and Larry (Carrie) Smith; 9 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Clint in 2017, a granddaughter, Michelle Lynn Bays; a half-sister, Jane Harris and a half-brother, Dick Pettibone.

A private interment was held at Hicks Cemetery, Pennfield Township. There was a celebration of Barb’s life from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Memorial donation’s in memory of Barb may be directed towards Transitions Care Hospice, 555 W Crosstown Pkwy Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.