Betty Jane Smith

Betty Jane Smith, age 95, passed away surrounded by her loving family at Sojourner Place, Kalamazoo, MI. She was born May 17, 1925 in Kalamazoo, one of twelve children of William and Jennie (Walhout) Corstange. Betty Jane Corstange married Andrew Smith on June 18, 1943. They celebrated 76 wedding anniversaries prior to Andy’s passing this past March. Along with her parents and 10 siblings, Betty was preceded in death by her son Dale Andrew Smith. She is survived by her brother Donald Corstange: daughter-in-law Sharon Smith: son Jack (Sansan): daughter Connie Albrecht (Bill): eight grandchildren: Wendy Gardner, Brent Smith, Bill Albrecht, Matt Albrecht, Alan Albrecht: Dale Smith, Myat Smith, Yun Shwe Smith and three great grandchildren: Emily Albrecht, Elise Albrecht and Liana Albrecht: and many nieces and nephews. Betty’s employment included Klose Electric Company in 1943, and then Upjohn Pharmaceuticals. She then became a stay-at-home Mom to raise her 3 children. After they were all in school she planted at Schneider’s Green House and later moved to work at Midwest Fasteners. She enjoyed crocheting and gave out many of her wonderful afghans. After her retirement from Midwest, Betty and Andy went on many bus tours with family and friends to see the country. Betty looked forward to Friday nights playing dominoes with niece and nephew, Mae and Ken. She was always up for a game of Skip-Bo, which she played almost every night with Andy. For the last few months, she was able to play with Connie and Wendy when we were allowed to visit outside at Sojourners. She also enjoyed the window visits when her family came by. Betty’s faith in God was her life sustaining force. She volunteered at several Christian organizations. She and Andy were active members of Texas Corner Bible Church for the past several years. Due to the ongoing COVID19, we have decided not to have any services. We want to keep everyone safe. God Bless you All. Donations in Mom’s honor can be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 N Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. A full obituary is pending at this time. While visiting Betty's webpage at www.avinkcremation.com please take time to sign her guestbook by lighting a candle and/or sharing a memory with her family. The family is being assisted by Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269)679-5622.