Gale Leon Wood

     Gale Leon Wood, age 96, of Middleton, MI, passed away Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Maple View Assisted Living.
     Funeral Services will be held at New Haven Church of the Brethren, Middleton, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, with Pastor Brian Ruth officiating. Burial will take place at Payne Cemetery Fulton Township, MI. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
     Gale was born in Middleton, Michigan on August 31, 1930, the son of Nelson and Ruth (Herald) Wood. He graduated from Fulton High School with the class of 1948, and was the valedictorian of his class.  On October 1, 1954, he married Shirley Ann Clark, in Elsie, MI at the church parsonage, and they were blessed with seventy-seven years of marriage, and she survives him. 
     Gale was a farmer and he enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a member of New Haven Church of the Brethren in Middleton, MI.
     He is survived by his wife Shirley Wood; four children: Sherry and Tom Walker, Crystal Powelson, Lance and Pam Wood, and Kimber and Karen Wood. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 grandson Randy Wood, 2 sisters and his son-in-law Lyle Powelson.
     Memorials may be made to New Haven Church of the Brethren. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.