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BORN
04/21/1958
DIED
01/09/2026
FUNERAL HOME
April Smith Obituary
April devoted her life to caring for others. She began her working years at Meijer before finding her true calling with the Western School District, where she faithfully served for 32 years as a school bus driver, touching the lives of countless children and families along the way.
April's life was rooted in her deep love for the Lord. Devoted to her church and faithful in prayer, she lived each day guided by her unwavering faith. Her light shone brightly in her kindness, generosity, and the loving care she gave so freely to others. She was a truly genuine soul whose giving heart and gentle spirit touched all who knew her.
April found joy in life's simple blessings-tending to her flowers, camping with family, and cooking for those she loved. Family game nights were a favorite, as she was always ready to gather everyone around the table for an evening filled with laughter. Her greatest joy was her family, whom she loved deeply and cared for wholeheartedly. She especially treasured time with her two grandsons, remaining a constant, proud, and loving presence in their lives.
April was preceded in death by her loving parents, Patricia Mathias and Godfried Fass, Sr., and her stepfather, Lewis Warner, whom she now joins in eternal rest. April is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Ronald E. Smith; her beloved daughters and sons-in-law, Heather (Tommy) Spangler and Ashley (Jared) Suster; her cherished grandsons, Brogan and Brady Spangler; her sisters, Melinda (Joe) Smith and Irene Biek; her brothers, Godfried Fass, Jr. and David Fass; and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.
A Celebration of April's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Encounter Church, 690 Robinson Rd., Jackson, Michigan, with Pastor Andrew Walker officiating. Interment will follow at Roseland Memorial Gardens. Visitation will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Watson Funeral Chapel, 2590 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson, Michigan.
"Let all that you do be done in love." - 1 Corinthians 16:14
Please express condolences to family and friends at www.watson-funeralchapels.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for April Smith
Sponsored by The Family.
Jan Czarnecki
January 19, 2026
Heather and family. I was so very sorry to hear about your mom´s passing. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keep your memories close and she will always be with you.
Kailee Cummings
January 17, 2026
Everyone who cared for my kindergartener knew April and loved her (she knew that the pick-up person at the end of our driveway changed daily ) On the first day of Young 5's she dropped off my daughter and said "I just love her, I'm so glad she's on my bus this year!" I felt immense relief knowing that my child was being taken care of daily by someone who loved her. I can think of countless instances where April went out of her way to keep my daughter safe. I can't thank her enough for that, it meant everything to me. We actually moved to Jackson from North Carolina in 2023 and happened to rent a townhouse near her grandchildren (on Armensko Lane). We always thought it was fun to see our bus driver when we went trick or treating around the neighborhood. She made us feel so welcome to Jackson and so confident in the school we chose. We recently bought a house and had to say our goodbyes to April. This however is a devastating loss. Our hearts are broken for her precious family
Kailee Cummings
January 17, 2026
Everyone who cared for my kindergartener knew April and loved her (she knew that the pick-up person at the end of our driveway changed daily ) On the first day of Young 5's she dropped off my daughter and said "I just love her, I'm so glad she's on my bus this year!". I felt immense relief knowing that my child was being taken care of daily by someone who loved her. I can think of countless instances where April went out of her way to keep my daughter safe. I can't thank her enough for that, it meant everything to me. We actually moved to Jackson from North Carolina in 2023 and happened to rent a townhouse near her grandchildren (on Armensko Lane). We always thought it was fun to see our bus driver when we went trick or treating around the neighborhood. She made us feel so welcome to Jackson and so confident in the school we chose. We recently bought a house and had to say our goodbyes to April. This however is a devastating loss. Our hearts are broken for her precious family
Owen & Esther Oswald
January 16, 2026
April was very kind to our family at church. We remember their family camping out at Swain Lk. It was a surprise that she passed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Owen & Esther Oswald
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Blaine Goodrich
January 15, 2026
April was the epitome of a Western bus driver. Her passengers became "her kids" and she treated them as her own. She never had to "write a student up" as she took it as a mission to get the desired behavior through kindness and compassion! A bright light in the lives of all who knew her, she and Ron often chaperoned out eighth grade students to Cedar Point. It was always calming to me with 150 students to know they were by my side. While I knew her from work, she became a friend who lived her faith fully. Anyone who ride her bus was blessed to see her represent Western as the first face they saw every morning and the last Western face they saw every night. Truly one of God´s angels on earth!
Linda Boertman
January 14, 2026
So sorry for the loss of this sweet lady. May God wrap his loving arms around her family to give them comfort and peace
Sara Whitmire
January 14, 2026
There are no words to express how deeply sorry we are for the family's loss. Our hearts are with you. April was a pillar in her family, at her work and just to everyone who had the blessing of knowing her. She was always there when you needed her and her love just radiated through. We pray that all of the memories you created together will help give you comfort through the coming days. She is a light that will burn forever in your hearts and she will be truly missed. Praying for her peaceful rest with her eternal father.
We love you all so much.
Karen a former Western School parent
January 14, 2026
I´ll always remember the kindness and warm smile April showed to me and my now adult children. Although I have lost touch with her over the years, just wanted to share how she was such a loving person. Thoughts and prayers to the family and her many friends in your loss.
Chris Wright-Stockard
January 13, 2026
April was a true Gem! Just an absolute joy to be around, a smile always on her face! Sending prayers to Ron and the entire family, God has truly gained a loving and faithful servant, rest well my friend.
Dena Hayner
January 13, 2026
My sincere sympathy and prayers for April´s family and friends ! She was a wonderful person !
Sincerely,
Dena Hayner
Libby Nims Lowder
January 13, 2026
Heather & Family,
My heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your mom.
I loved seeing you & your mom in SwanCreek!
I will always remember her smile and our chats...
Love & prayers to you all.
Libby Nims Lowder
Robert Smith
January 13, 2026
Melinda, please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your Sister. May She Rest in Peace.
Sincerely,
Bob Smith
Candy Corser
January 13, 2026
My heart is saddened by the news of April. She was one of the first Bus Drivers I had the privilege to hire and train. She carried a special light that I am sure touched all the children that rode her bus. Comfort and Peace to her family and friends at this time of loss.
Sue Cummings
January 12, 2026
I enjoyed working with her and going to events together. She gave me helpful tips when I first started. April will be dearly missed.
Susan Mills
January 11, 2026
Sending prayers and hugs to you. April will be sadly missed by so so many. She touched my heart as she did to all who knew her. I will forever cherish my memories I shared with her.
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