Blanche Smith

Edith Blanche P. Smith of Charlevoix passed away peacefully September 12, 2016; Wife, Mother, vice president of CH Smith Co., accountant, business manager,Township Trustee, Public Library Committee, PTA Officer, Best Friend, Charlevoix sports cheerleader and supporter, grandmother, great-grandmother.

Born in Tucomcari, N.Mex., December 18, 1921, to John & Monte Pring, Blanche graduated from Herrington High School in Topeka, Kansas and began working as an administrator's assistance of scheduling at the Santa Fe Railroad. In Topeka, she met her future husband, C.H. Smith, of Boyne City, while he was in pilot training. On March 1, 1945, they were married in Biloxi, Miss. and in September 1945, moved to Charlevoix. They purchased the former Oscar Stroud homestead and began establishing their business, the CH Smith Co. C.H. Smith passed away in March of 2010.

Blanche touched many lives personally and professionally but none more than her children, David ( Rita), Steven (MaryLou), Barbara (Ron Winter); her grandchildren, Matt (Sara), Scott (Rachel), Ryan (Ellen), Troy (Annika), York, Stacy Bell (Randy), Ross Winter (Laura); and seven great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be at a later date. Thanks to the support of Petoskey American House staff, staff of AdvisaCare, and Hospice of Northwest Michigan, where donations are welcome.