Alberta Smith

Alberta Irene Smith of Traverse City, passed away on October 21, 2022, at the age of 90 with her children by her side. She was born in 1932 in Dayton, OH, to the late Charles and Mae Quance. The family moved to northern Michigan when Alberta was a young girl. She met Owen Smith in her teens and they were married September 9, 1949. Together they raised 3 children: Carolyn (Roger) Rice, Richard (Linda) Smith, and Larry (Dawn) Smith. Owen and Alberta kept a home open to family, friends, and others they met. They provided a shining example to those around them, not only of their love and commitment to each other but also of their love for God through their faithfulness. Alberta lived in northern Michigan (Mancelona, Suttons Bay, and Traverse City) except for a number of years when they spent winter months in Palmetto, Florida. They enjoyed 70 years together. Owen passed away on January 10, 2021. Grandma Smith was a great cook and enjoyed sharing her culinary skills. Some of the family favorites were fried tacos, monster cookies, rock candy and taffy pulls. Whether baking alone or with her family, there was always something special about the time and the sweet treats that came out of grandma’s kitchen. She especially enjoyed baking and was an expert cake decorator, making many birthday, anniversary, and wedding cakes. Alberta also enjoyed watching birds that visited the feeders daily, knitting, crocheting, painting, and spending time with family and friends. She held various jobs over the years including Petertyl’s Drug Store, a cook at TC Junior High School and Traverse Heights Elementary School, and a cake decorator at Oleson's bakery. Alberta is survived by sister Anna Fae Yero; niece Tanya Patterson; nephews Joe (Miriam) Yero and Chuck Yero; children Carolyn (Roger) Rice, Richard (Linda) Smith, and Larry (Dawn) Smith; grandchildren Tanya (Ian) McClendon, Roger “Sonny” (Tonya) Rice, Vanja “Susie” (Frank) Simkins, Jennifer (Kevin) Ott, Heather (Josh) Tjader, Jason Smith, Jon (Chelsea) Smith, Sarah (Wes) Anderson, Nathan (Kathryn) Smith; great-grandchildren Ashley Montgomery, Timothy Montgomery, Michael (Nikita David) Montgomery, Korbin Rice, Frank Simkins, John Simkins, Emily Simkins, Caden Ott, Aleya Falb, Joslin Tjader, Sven Tjader, and Evie Smith; great-great grandchildren Alizabeth Montgomery, AbbiGail Bottomly, Salena Montgomery, and Roger Montgomery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Owen; brother-in-law Joe Yero; grandchildren Melissa and Daniel Smith. The family extends a special thanks to Boardman Lake Glens for their kindness and care for Alberta. Funeral Services were held 11AM, Thursday, October 27, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. She was laid to rest by her husband Owen in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Memories and condolences may be shared any time on Alberta’s tribute page, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

Alberta Smith

February 20, 1932 - October 21, 2022