Matthew P. Smith

Matthew Paul Smith age 71 of Ada, Michigan passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert “RC” and Roberta “June” Smith; brother and sister-in-law Mark and Frances Smith; father and mother-in-law Jack and Veronica Soules.

Matthew leaves behind his loving wife of twenty-seven years, AnnMarie Soules Smith, and their sons, Paul, Jared, and Jordan Smith and Kieran and Kendal Kelley. He also leaves behind this three grandchildren, Jaden, Brooklyn, and Payton, along with his sister Robin (Gary) Miller; sisters and brother in-law, Karen Soules and Michele (Robert) Ribnicky. Matthew also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

A graduate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Matt had practiced law since 1985. He was employed by the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office but the majority of his career, was spent as a criminal defense attorney.  He also practiced family, civil, and probate law.  Matthew was a member of the State Bar Criminal Law Section for twenty-five years and was instrumental with the section in proposing changes to Michigan criminal laws when necessary.

Matthew loved cooking and was happiest when he could cook and bake for his family and friends.  He downloaded recipes, cut them from magazines, and begged recipes from family and friends.  AnnMarie teased him that if they started today and cooked every recipe he owned just once, they would live to be 100!  Matthew was an avid fisherman and rock collector.  He loved going to White Lake in Ontario, Canada and fishing with family and friends.  January and February would find him in Arizona hunting for rocks and attending the gem and jewelry shows.  Matt loved traveling and fortunately he and AnnMarie traveled frequently.  They took their grandchildren on vacation every summer and last summer drove to Alaska for a six-week anniversary trip. Matt was currently striving to obtain what he called his “First class Kennel boy status!” He was a cuddle buddy to their three Kerry Blue terriers and three cats.  

Matt was a true social butterfly.  He rarely met anyone who did not end up as a friend.  He was generous with not only his time and expertise but with his whole being.  He donated blood and platelets for leukemia patients and after his death, his organs to Gift of Life to continue to help others.  He and AnnMarie delivered meals to the elderly and homebound through the Meals on Wheels program.  Matt was also on the board of the Gaylord House Apartments which provides a quality residential housing for seniors. Matt will truly be missed.

As a lifelong member of Cascade Chrisian Church, a celebration of Matthew’s life will be held at 2pm on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Cascade Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), located at 2829 Thornapple River Dr., SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with visitation on hour prior to service.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Matt’s memory to Gift of Life Michigan.   

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