Elva Smith

Elva Smith age 99 of Olson, Michigan Midland County, died Friday May 13, 2011 at Brittany Manor. The daughter of the late Lauritz P. and Mary P. (Sorensen) Larsen was born in Olson on April 29, 1212. She resided in Sanford from October 1931 till October 1942 when she returned to Olson. On October 20, 1931 Elva married Kenneth W. Smith. He died on November 29, 1987. Elva and Ken owned and operated The Olson General Store from October 8, 1942 until their retirement in 1982. She was a charter member of Olson Community Church where she was a Sunday School Teacher for over 50 years. Member of the Sanford Historical Society and enjoyed acting as greeter at the Smith Log House and the Olson General Store of which she donated to the Historical Society.

Elva is survived by her son, Robert Smith of Midland; daughter, Mary (Don) Krauss of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Linda Seefeld of Gulfport, Mississippi, Dr. Brian (Jennifer) Krauss of Battle Creek, Lee Ann (Major) John) Caudill of Elizabeth Town, Kentucky, Bobby Smith of Sonora, Kentucky; 10 great grandchildren; sister, Norma Cronkright of Midland; many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Elva was preceded in death by her daughter in law, Lena Smith; brother, L.P. Larsen; sisters, Ethel McGraw, Nettie Anger and Eva Haebler.

Funeral and committal services will take place 7:00 p.m. Monday evening May 16, 2011 from Wilson MILLER Funeral Home. Pastor Fred Becknell will officiate. Interment will be in Jerome Township Cemetery. Family will received friends at the funeral home on Monday from 4 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be offered to Alzheimer's Association Great Michigan Chapter. Personnel messages of condolence may be offered to the family at www.wilson-miller.com