Dexter, age 90, died Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.

She was born August 10, 1921 in Ann Arbor, the daughter of Hugo and Clara (Knapp) Volz.

On January 20, 1980 she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 39 years, Neil Smith.  They were married on March 1, 1941 in Ann Arbor.  Survivors include four sons, Robert (Carol) Smith of Chelsea, Gerald (Barbara) Smith of Dexter, Thomas Smith of Dexter, and Steven Smith of Dexter; one daughter, Suzanne (Larry) Jones of Chelsea; a sister, Rosemary (Herbert) Clifford of North Carolina; six grandchildren,  Jeffrey (Debbie), Kristine, Michael, Debra (Chris), Mark (Elizabeth), and Julie (Adam); ten great-grandchildren, Shon, Alex, Elliott, Michael, Elizabeth, Anna, Kaleigh, Kyra, Madeline, and Maxwell; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by a very special identical twin sister, Dorothy Peterson and a brother, George Volz.

Doris graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1940.  She was a long time member of St. Andrew’s United Church of Christ in Dexter, where she was very active in the choir, assisted in al church activities, and was always there when the church needed her.  She loved animals, and really enjoyed the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Doris was a loving person who took care of several family members.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 17, 11:00 at St. Andrew's United Church of Christ, Dexter, with the Rev. Larry VanSlambrook officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Andrew's Cemetery, Dexter.  The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea Friday, September 16 from 1-4 & 6-9 P.M. and at the Church Saturday from 10-11 A.M. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew’s United Church of Christ, 7610 Ann Arbor St, Dexter, MI 48130.

 

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