Barbara Ann Smith

Barbara Ann Smith, 82, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Cordia on July 22, 2024. Barb was born on July 3, 1942 to the late Duane Howard and Marian Bessie (Ranstadler) Schurman. On August 15, 1964, Barb married Dudley Bird Smith III in Troy. Dudley and Barbara moved to Traverse City in 1973 where he began his career with Olmsted Products Co. She was co-owner and served as their controller for many years after they purchased the business from Vickers in 1988. She was a proud supporter of many local charities and community organizations, donating both time and resources. They supported Munson Medical Center through various gifts to the hospital, and most recently helped fund the Smith Family Breast Health Center. Additionally, Barb served on the Munson Regional Healthcare Foundation board. They also loved the Dennos Museum. The Barbara and Dudley Smith Wing, which houses the Inuit Art collection, was opened in 2018 and is a testament to their support of the Museum. Barbara was honored to donate most of their personal Inuit collection to the Museum last year. Barb served on the NMC Foundation board, and Barb and Dudley were honored as NMC Fellows in 1997. Barb and Dudley both loved to golf and were members at the Traverse City Golf & Country Club for over 50 years. An avid reader, Barb enjoyed her book club, playing bridge with her friends and working with the By the Bay Garden Club of Suttons Bay to keep the village of Suttons Bay well-tended. She loved attending her grandsons' basketball games, and every year presented the awards for the Dudley B. Smith Equitation Championship, which is held every year at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival in honor of her late husband. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her dear friends. Barb is survived by her daughter Laura (Doug) Matthies and son Dudley (Kimberly) Smith IV; grandchildren Paige Matthies and Miles, Owen and John Smith; siblings Gary (Cheryl) Schurman and David (Kay) Schurman and many beloved family, friends and NUTS. Barb was preceded in death by her husband and grandson Dudley Bird Smith V. Barb’s life will be celebrated at 4:00 pm at the Dennos Museum Center on July 31, 2024. For those unable to attend, the service will be streamed at www.rjfh.tv. A gathering for family and friends will immediately follow at the Traverse City Golf & Country Club. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society, an organization close to the hearts of both Barb and Dudley.

Barbara Ann Smith

July 3, 1942 - July 22, 2024