Kendra Lynne Smith

     Kendra Lynne Smith, age 72, of Ithaca, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
      Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. with Jeff Benesh officiating. Burial will take place at Payne Cemetery, Fulton Twp., MI. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 5-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
     Kendra was born on June 10, 1953, to Martin Frank Karolle and Esther May (Albro) Karolle in Lansing, Michigan. She was one of five Karolle children. The family relocated to Ithaca in her early years, and Ithaca remained her home for her lifetime. Kendra married her high school sweetie, Gary Lee Smith, on June 11, 1970. They were young with a baby on the way; the cards of married life were certainly stacked against them. However, they stayed true to their vows and did the hard work to build a robust life filled with three children, dear family, and treasured friendships. She is survived by her three children: Michael (Becky) Smith, Andrea Moore, and Scott (Kristen) Smith.
     In life, being called Grandma Smith was her favorite title, whether it was said by her own grandchild or an honorary grandchild. She found endless joy in her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved to play games with the grandchildren and through this often expanded their vocabulary with some colorful words. She is survived by grandchildren: Steven (Emilie) Smith, Victoria Smith, O’Malley (Noalyn) Moore, Dakota (Kerby) Favara, Stone (Alaina) Smith, Shayden (Karley) Smith, Joshua Smith, Logan Payne, Rylan Smith, and great-grandchildren Lorelai Smith, Rowan Smith, Paetyn Gove, and Emory Favara.
     A reoccurring dream of a laboring woman not receiving emotional support and care led to Kendra becoming a registered nurse in 1984. She loved being a nurse, was a fierce patient advocate, and found great purpose in supporting women as they became mothers. As a lifelong learner, she continued to expand her education throughout her career and became a certified lactation consultant. She ended her nursing career with supporting new mothers as they worked to breastfeed their babies. It was always a moment of pride for her when she met a previous baby that she had helped into this world or helped get nourishment through breastfeeding.
     Kendra was an amazing seamstress. She sewed with love, determination, skill, and lots of cuss words. She used her skills to benefit many over the years. The list of projects is boundless, but there were princess dresses, Christmas stockings, superhero capes, quilts, fleece blankets, birthday gift bags, and make up bags, just to name a few. If you were blessed with one of her sewing masterpieces, know that it holds her love within the seams. Hold it tight when you miss her.
     Kendra was predeceased by her husband, parents, in-laws Fred and Flossie Smith, and brother Marty Karolle.
In lieu of flowers, Kendra requested that you consider a donation to the Gratiot County Commission on Aging, an organization that she felt strongly about. More information on making a donation can be found at: Commission on Aging Services | Gratiot County, MI. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.