Leona Marie (Ripley) Smestad

Leona Marie Smestad, 94 of Grand Rapids fondly known as Irene to many passed away at home on Saturday August 21, 2021. Born in Grand Rapids on May 30, 1927 to Julius and Harriet Ripley. Survived by her children Helen Sherwood, Barbara (Bob) Chambers, Sharen (Pete) Bonczyk, Karen (Al) Krulek and James (Vonda) Smestad, 12 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren, her brother Joseph (Katherine) Ripley, Sisters-in-law Jackie and Debbie and many nieces and nephews and friends. Proceeded in death by her loving husband Carl, her parents, son Dale, son-in-law Wayne Sherwood and son-in-law Terry Droese, Grandson Daniel, her brothers Richard, Julius, Ronald, and Robert.

Irene worked at Michigan Bell Telephone where she met the love of her life Carl and enjoyed 69 years together.  She had a great fondness of “kitty cats”, all animals and knitting for many. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church. She was a great woman who loved her family and will be greatly missed. A visitation is scheduled at Faith Lutheran Church on Friday August 27 at 10:00 am prior to the memorial service at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Faith Lutheran or Spectrum Health Hospice.

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