Laura Lynne Smith, loving wife, committed mother and adoring grandmother, died Thursday July 11, as a result of drowning in Gun Lake.

A long-time resident of Middleville, Laura was the wife of Wayland High School graduate David Smith and sister-in-law of Kathy Jo Smith Lough Matthews, former teacher at WHS..

Born in Wyandotte on June 3, 1953, to parents Lenny and Mary Kay Wheatley,  she enrolled at Hope College in 1971. and met her future soulmate the first day of school. After graduating from Hope in 1975, Laura began her first journey as a teacher at Maple Valley Schools, eventually teaching for 37 years in the district.

Laura married her college companion on April 2, 1977. She and Dave were partners in raising their three sons – Ryan, Eric and Jarod. As time changed and grandchildren came, Laura retired from teaching to enjoy her expanding family.

Laura recently began working as an aide at the Little Lambs Co-Op Preschool in Alaska, MI, where she could be with her grandsons and remain in touch with children. She spent hours in her flower gardens, was an avid rug hooker as well.

Laura was preceded in death by her father, her in-laws, (who embraced her as a daughter) Bea and Jay Smith), and two uncles. She leaves behind her husband Dave, her brother Dave Wheatley, her three sons Ryan, Eric and Jarod, a daughter-in-law Sarah, and grandchildren Taylor, Kaleb, Jordyn, Kameron, Logan and Uriyah.

Relatives and friends may meet with Laura’s family from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Gun Lake Community Church, 12200 West M-179, Wayland,  as well as one hour prior to the service at the church, which will be held at noon Monday, July 22.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Little Lambs Co-Op Preschool in honor of Laura’s love for children and grandchildren.