This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: AJP44 Surnames: SMITH, NICHOLS, BOWMAN, STRUNK, MARLEY, BYRD, MORR, STREETER, STOLTE Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kalamazoo/22286/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Beatrice L. (NICHOLS) SMITH - age 91, Of Grand Rapids Formerly of Augusta, MI, died Thursday, October 30, 1997 at the Clark Retirement Home in Grand Rapids, MI, after a long illness. "Bea" was born May 8, 1906 in Rome City, IN, the daughter of Arthur and Nancy Clara (BOWMAN) NICHOLS. She was raised in Rome City, and was a 1925 graduate of Rome City High School. She graduated from Western Michigan State Teachers College (WMU) in 1957. She taught in Wasepi, MI, 1926-27, and in Nottawa, MI, at Truckenmiller Country School 1927-28. She and her husband moved to Augusta, MI, in 1929, where she lived until moving to The Clare Retirement in 1988. She taught in the Augusta Schools, and then for Galesburg-Augusta Schools for 25 years, until retiring in 1968. She was a longtime member of Fellowship United Methodist Church in Augusta, where she taught Sunday School, was Chairman of Missions at the church, and very active in church activities. She was a member of Missionary World ! Services & Evangelism, the Michigan Education Association, The National Education Association and National Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed reading and making stuffed animals and dolls for the church. She was married May 28, 1927 in Indiana to Bruce D. SMITH, and he preceded her in death June 2, 1979. Surviving are a daughter, Betty M. STRUNK of Benton Harbor; a sister, Violet M. MARLEY of Marion, IN; a brother, Robert G. NICHOLS of Kendalville, IN; a grand-daughter, Karen BYRD; 9 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Lelah B. MORR, Helen M. STREETER, and Delight M. STOLTE; two brothers, Harold B. NICHOLS, Audley G. NICHOLS; and 2 grandsons, Bruce and Michael. Friends may call 5-9 p.m. today (Saturday) and on Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Augusta Chapel, 307 N. Webster St. Funeral services will be held 2:30 p.m. Monday at Fellowship United Methodist Church in! Augusta, Rev. D. Hubert Lowes and Rev. Sue J. Gay officiating. Buria l Lakeside Cemetery, Colon, MI. Memorials may be made to Fellowship United Methodist Church of The Clark Retirement Home. source: Kalamazoo Gazette Oct 1997 (submitted by a volunteer, no family connection) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.