Mary S. Smith

Smith, Mary Suzette (Sloan), age 69, of Dowling, MI., passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at The Oaks in Battle Creek.

Mary was born June 3, 1956 in Flint, MI to Richard D. and Geraldine (Rogers) Sloan. She was preceded in death by her parents; stepparents, Dottie Sloan and Bob VanderVeen; her siblings, Jeffrey Sloan, Jeanette M. Sloan, twin sister Mildred A. Hopkins and Robert D. Sloan. She is survived by her brother, Richard D. Sloan of Linden, TN; children, Pamala (Friedhelm) Sturhan, Joshua (Michelle) Smith, Jonathon (Sirena) Smith and Justin (Cheri) Smith; grandchildren, Kiersten, Brayden, Ellie, Katelyn, Owen, Charlee and Jack and step grandchildren, Brad and Hailey.

Mary was a graduate of Pennfield High School, class of 1974. She married her first husband, Rex E. Paschal, with whom she had a daughter. She then worked at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base for a short period of time. She later moved to Bradenton, FL and married her second husband, Mitchell M. Smith, with whom she had three sons. Upon moving back to Michigan, Mary was employed at the Battle Creek VA Hospital as a nursing assistant and later as a triage nurse.

Those who knew Mary remember her fierce love and dedication to her dogs, Betty Bounce, Izzy and Blaze, as well as her friendships with Pat, Ashely, Gloria and others. Whatever Mary set her mind to, she gave it her all. She was extremely passionate and all-consuming.

A graveside service to celebrate Mary’s life will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 15, 2025 at Hicks Cemetery, Pennfield Township. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.