Bonnie Smith

Bonnie Smith, age 95, passed away with family by her side on January 1, 2025. Bonnie was born April 27, 1929 to Pete and Mabel (Newell) Begeman. Bonnie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. 

She grew up attending school in Lansing, Michigan. She graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1947. In school, she was in the marching band. After high school, Bonnie got a job in the State Capitol building. It was during that job that she met Fred. Fred would deliver coke to the vending machines at the Capital building. Bonnie and a work colleague would see the truck and run down to the vending machine for a coke. It worked. They were married on February 12, 1949.

Together they moved to Kalamazoo in 1959 where they raised seven children. Later she worked at Western Michigan University for 15 years. 

Bonnie enjoyed knitting, jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles and she loved to golf. She loved to entertain, especially having the family over on holidays. Bonnie was the glue that held the family together.

Bonnie is survived by her children: Greg (Lesleigh McDaniel) Smith, Gary (Steve Stevens) Smith, Peter Smith, Sandy Dancy, Tami Smith, Fred (Dianne) Smith, Jack Smith; ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Merita Smith; her nephew Jim Begeman; niece Bonnie Jean (Stan) Simons as well as several loving friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 57 years, and her brother Art (Betty) Begeman.

Following her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering is being planned for the spring.

While visiting Bonnie’s memory page at www.amsfuneralhomes.com, please sign the guestbook and leave a memory for the family. The Smith family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral home; 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. 269 344-5600.