Phyllis E. (Kroeze) Smith

Phyllis (Kroeze) Smith, age 92, passed into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 22nd, 2023, at Rose Arbor Hospice, Kalamazoo. Phyllis was born on March 5th, 1930, the daughter of Berend “Ben” and Rena (Gernaat) Kroeze and lived in Kalamazoo her entire life. She was a 1947 graduate of Kalamazoo Christian High School. She is survived by her husband, Clifford, whom she married on October 24, 1952. They celebrated their 70th anniversary at North Park Reformed Church, where Phyllis and Cliff were members their entire married lives. For 28 years, Phyllis worked at Gernaat Greenhouses but caring for her family was her life’s work. She was a loving, devoted wife and full-time mother, regularly sacrificing her time and comfort to serve her family and friends. She loved to golf and play games.  She never missed her family’s activities, programs, and athletic events. Also surviving are her children: Steve (Linda) Smith and Patti (Ron) Warner; her grandchildren: Brook (Dan) Boring, Ryan (Shelby) Warner, Zach (Sydney) Warner, and Luke (Kenzie) Warner; her great-grandchildren: Tampson, Avary, and Jayce Boring, Noah, Sammy, and David Warner, Teddy and Francis Warner, and Romey Warner. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Henry (Marilyn) Kroeze. Friends may visit with her family on Wednesday, January 25th, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 PM, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 26th, at 1:00 PM at North Park Reformed Church, 1316 Barney Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49004, with Pastor Paul Fazio officiating. Donations in memory of Phyllis may be made to Kalamazoo Youth For Christ. Please visit Phyllis’ personalized online guestbook at www.langelands.com