Donna Marie Smit

Donna Marie Smit, age 96, of Lowell, formerly of Saranac, passed away October 9, 2025.
Donna was born in her grandmother's home in Caledonia, Michigan on February 22, 1929 to Marvin J. and Eva B. (Halloran) Huver. Growing up, she worked on the family farm in Lowell with her siblings. She graduated from Lowell High School in 1946.
Donna married Edward Charles Smit on April 19, 1947 at St. Mary's Church in Lowell and started their family of six. In the 1960s they moved to Saranac and continued their vegetable farming with Smit's Produce.
Donna and Ed converted the farm to Riverbend Campground on the Grand River in the late 1970s. She worked at Keiser's Kitchen for many years before joining the Saranac Housing Commission until her retirement.
Donna was an active member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Saranac and the Boston-Saranac Historical Society during her life. She was the 2013 Grand Marshal of the Saranac Bridgefest. Donna loved to travel - she made multiple trips to Europe with friends and family, and visited Florida and Texas in the winter months.
Donna was lovingly cared for by the staff at Maple Ridge Manor and, mostly recently, by Gentiva Hospice.
She is survived by her children, Pam (Keith) Ferris of Findlay, Ohio, Mike (Patty) Smit of Saranac, Ed (Jeanne) Smit of Lowell, Greg (Merrie) Smit of Ada, Jack (Barb) Smit of Lowell, Angie (Bill) Gillispie of Lowell, 30 grandchildren, close to 100 great- and great-great-grandchildren, and sister-in-law Ann Huver of Lowell.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ed, brothers: Richard, Robert, Daniel, sisters: Patricia Hoffman, Mary Smyth, grandchildren: Lindsey Ferris, Jason Smit, great-great-granddaughter Timber Pray, and special friend Duke Thomet.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Saranac on Monday, October 13 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to take place at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Lowell at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be at the Lake Funeral Home in Saranac on Sunday 4:00-7:00 p.m. and 1 hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Rosary will be prayed on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
Those wishing, may make memorial contributions to the Saranac Fire Department or Boston Historical Society. Online condolences may be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com
Visitation
Lake Funeral Home
Sunday, October 12, 2025
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
158 Mill St.
Saranac, MI 48881
Mass of Christian Burial
St. Anthony's Catholic Church
Monday, October 13, 2025
11:00 AM
3927 Jackson Rdd
Saranac, MI 48881
Interment
St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery
Monday, October 13, 2025
2:00 PM
Lowell, Michigan 49331