Laura Bell Smith

Laura Bell Smith, age 80, passed away July 18, 2024. She was born January 6, 1944, in East Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Melvin Frederick and Doris Jeans (Bell) Gühl.

Laura loved her family dearly. She looked forward to hosting Christmas at her home and apple picking at local farms with her family every year. She also enjoyed her yearly trips to Vermontville for the Maple Syrup Festival, camping rendezvous with the historical society for Civil War and other reenactments, her favorite place being Frankenmuth. Her greatest passion in life was making porcelain dolls. Her sense of humor brought joy to everyone around her, even if she was sassy at times.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dennis Smith; and brothers, Richard (Barbara) Gühl and Charles Gühl.

She is survived by her children, Denise (Dan) Pylar, Robert (Heather) Saltzman, Melanie (Michael) Nadwornik, Lisa (Jim) Helms, Jim Smith, and Bradley Smith; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Sunday, July 28, 2024, from 2-5:00pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009. A Celebration of Life will take place Monday, July 29, at 12:00pm at Galesburg United Methodist Church, 111 W Battle Creek St, Galesburg, MI 49053. A private interment with family will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery.

Donations in Laura’s memory may be made to SPCA of Southwest Michigan or Gentiva Hospice.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.