Lila "Esther" Smazenka

Lila "Esther" Smazenka, 97, of Midland, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Brittany Manor.

The daughter of the late Clarence and Anna M. (McClinchey) Tice, Esther was born on June 1, 1926 in Clare, MI, where she was raised and educated. On September 14, 1946, she married Tony Smazenka. He passed away on December 27, 2007 after 61 years of marriage. She was a lifelong resident of Midland. Esther was employed by Consumers Power for ​20 years, retiring in 1980. She and her family and friends made many years of memories at their Black Lake property in Onaway, MI. She enjoyed playing pinochle, baking kolache and polka dancing. She was a member of St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church and the Czechoslovakian Society of America.

Esther is survived by her son, Jim (Pat) Smazenka of Midland; daughter, Linda Rider of Baton Rouge, LA; five grandchildren, Guy (Stephanie) McLaughlin, Jamie (Ryan) Hockstra, and Tony (Tina) Smazenka, all of Midland, and Tim Rider and Robin (Ray) Knight of Baton Rouge, LA; eight great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and her parents, Esther was preceded in death by her grandson, Andrew Rider, her great grandson, Ethan Rider, and her son-in-law, Barry Rider. Esther was also preceded in death by two brothers, Warren and Lloyd Tice and her sister, Helen Bollenbacher.

There is no visitation or service scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to Chippewa Nature Center in Esther's memory.

Cremation arrangements for Esther have been entrusted to the care of Wilson MILLER Funeral Home, 4210 N Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI. Condolences to the family may be made through www.wilson-miller.com.