Norma Jean Smith Profile Photo
1937 Norma Jean Smith 2024

Norma Jean Smith

May 30, 1937 — December 28, 2024

Battle Creek

Norma Jean Smith, 87, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. 

She was born on May 30, 1937 to Maurice and Josephine (Treat) Blanck in Battle Creek, Michigan.

She married Don Smith in Bellevue, Michigan, but sadly he passed away on July 18, 2011. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1955. One of her first jobs out of high school was as a clerk at S.S. Kresge Store in downtown Battle Creek. After Kresge, she became a bus driver for Bellevue School District for several years. Norma finished her working career at Felpausch Grocery Store in Bellevue. She worked in the general merchandise department as the manager. Norma also worked at various other Felpausch locations in the Battle Creek area before retiring.

She was a member of the Bellevue Eastern Star. Norma loved to be out in the sun. She also enjoyed bowling, sewing and her pet cats and dogs. Norma had a huge heart towards all animals. Her greatest joy was taking care of her family, Norma’s family has wonderful memories of her preparing big meals and baking. She will be missed for her kind, loving and gracious personality.

Norma is survived by her loving children; Edward Smith of Bellevue, Michigan and Steve (Jean) Smith of Battle Creek, Michigan; her grandchildren, Michael (Rhonda) Smith of Lake Odessa, Michigan, KC (Liz) Smith of Pennfield Twp., Michigan, Carla (Adam) Buttel of Grand Ledge, Michigan, Justin (Jamie) Lilly of San Marcos, Texas, Kaleena Smith of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Todd (Allison) Burghdoff of Battle Creek, Michigan and Marty (Rachel) Shilton of Vicksburg, Michigan and her great grandchildren, Dani Smith, Maverick Smith, Andy Smith, Adi Smith, Josie Smith, Paisley Lilly, Miles Buttel, Shelby Buttel, Violet Buttel, Skylar Burghdoff, Namari Burghdoff, Declan Shilton and Nova Shilton. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Denise Lilly and her sister's, Mabel Lake and Laura Hammer.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm at Kempf's of Bellevue with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 noon. Pastor Don Francis officiating. 

Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Humane Society of South-Central Michigan (2500 Watkins Rd. Battle Creek, MI 49015).

Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services.

Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.


To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Norma Jean Smith, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, January 3, 2025

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

Kempf's of Bellevue

, Bellevue, MI 49021

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Friday, January 3, 2025

Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

Kempf's of Bellevue

, Bellevue, MI 49021

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Burial

Riverside Cemetery

, Bellevue, MI 49021

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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