April M Smith

Our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, April, was peacefully called home to be with her Lord on Friday, January 9, 2026. She was born on April 21, 1958, in Saginaw, Michigan, the cherished daughter of Patricia Mathias and Godfried Fass, Sr.

April devoted her life to caring for others. She began her working years at Meijer before finding her true calling with the Western School District, where she faithfully served for 32 years as a school bus driver, touching the lives of countless children and families along the way. April’s life was rooted in her deep love for the Lord. Devoted to her church and faithful in prayer, she lived each day guided by her unwavering faith. Her light shone brightly in her kindness, generosity, and the loving care she gave so freely to others. She was a truly genuine soul whose giving heart and gentle spirit touched all who knew her.

April found joy in life’s simple blessings—tending to her flowers, camping with family, and cooking for those she loved. Family game nights were a favorite, as she was always ready to gather everyone around the table for an evening filled with laughter. Her greatest joy was her family, whom she loved deeply and cared for wholeheartedly. She especially treasured time with her two grandsons, remaining a constant, proud, and loving presence in their lives.

April was preceded in death by her loving parents, Patricia Mathias and Godfried Fass, Sr., and her stepfather, Lewis Warner, whom she now joins in eternal rest.

April is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Ronald E. Smith; her beloved daughters and sons-in-law, Heather (Tommy) Spangler and Ashley (Jared) Suster; her cherished grandsons, Brogan and Brady Spangler; her sisters, Melinda (Joe) Smith and Irene Biek; her brothers, Godfried Fass, Jr. and David Fass; and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

A Celebration of April’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Encounter Church, 620 Robinson Rd., Jackson, Michigan, with Pastor Andrew Walker officiating. Interment will follow at Roseland Memorial Gardens. Visitation will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Watson Funeral Chapel, 2590 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson, Michigan.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

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