Virginia M. Smith

Virginia “Ginny” Smith, 85, of Battle Creek, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at her home surrounded by the love of her family.  She was born May 12, 1938 in Benton Harbor to Orville and Hazel (Renbarger) Wells.  She spent her childhood growing up in Charlotte, MI. where she attended and graduated from Charlotte High School, class of 1957.  She was married to her high school sweetheart Kent W. Smith.  

A hard worker, she spent her career at State Farm Insurance, retiring in 1997.  She enjoyed living at the lake where she resided for over 50 years until her passing.  Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy and she spent as much time as possible with them, traveling across the United States to be with them.  

Ginny is survived by her two daughters, Michelle (Roger) Bates and Debra (Cory Parker) Garland; grandchildren, Erica (Aaron) Kayne, David Garland, Virginia Garland, Mary Terpening, Anna Terpening and Kim Bates-Wallace; great-grandchildren, Ethan LaMacchia, Taylor LaMacchia and Grace Wallace; stepchildren, Jodi Looper and Lisa Wilk and her beloved cat, Casper.  

Ginny was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Kent Smith and her beloved daughter, Patricia Durling.

A private graveside service will be held at Bedford Cemetery.  Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care.   Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.