Ardith L. "Rusty" Smits

Smits, Ardith L. "Rusty" Chelsea, MI, formerly of New Port Richey, FL Age 100, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at her grand-daughter's home in Chelsea. She was born May 16, 1915 in Willoughby, Ohio, the daughter of Luther Baker & Ruby Juliette (Burr) Rust. Rusty was a Registered Nurse, and worked many years at Dr. Sydney Chapin's medical practice in Dearborn. She moved to Chelsea in 1969 to enjoy her grandchildrenand then retired to Florida. She lived in New Port Richey, FL until 2013, when she returned to Michigan to live with her granddaughter. On July 27, 1939, she married Norman G. Smits in Painesville, Ohio, and he preceded her in death on May 27, 1984. Survivors include one son, Norman James Smits of Chelsea; a daughter, Phyllis Pulver of El Paso, TX; a son-in-law, Robert Benedict Jr. of Chelsea; six grandchildren, Michal (Bob) Enders, Bruce (Sue) Young, Robert (Carol) Benedict III, Sandra (Joseph) Lantis, Susan (Bryan) Markey, Norman (Laurie) Pulver; and 16 great-grandchildren, Tom, David (Summer), Christina, Valerie, Brian, Jason, Sarah, Peter, Luke, Sarah (Justin), Nathan, Robert, Sarah, Katie, Samantha, Emily; 6 great-great-grandchildren, Trevor, Asher, Samantha, Dylan, Ashlyn, Alexander. She was preceded in death by two daughters, Carol Benedict and Ellen Smits, a son-in-law, Robert Pulver, and a grandson, David Pulver. Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec 4, 11:00 am at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea, with Pastor Jim Coyl officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Thursday, 4-6 pm and at the church Friday 10-11 am. Memorial contributions may be made to Youth Haven Ranch.