Hilda Smith

Hilda Smith was a woman who enjoyed traveling, gardening, and taking long rides in the car, but first and foremost in her life was always her family. In fact, nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her grandchildren no matter where they were or what they were doing. Hilda also had a special place in her heart for animals as she never hesitated to rescue an animal in need of a compassionate heart and a tender touch. She fostered a rather adventurous side as well and throughout her life, she took each day and made the most of it in her own special way. It will be her vibrant spirit, her endless devotion to those around her, and her quiet strength that will be so dearly missed by those who treasured her so. Beginning in October of 1929, the Great Depression blanketed our nation for the following decade and the years 1932 and 1933 are viewed as the worst years throughout the entire time period. It was during these years that the unemployment rate skyrocketed well above 20 percent with 13 million workers having lost their jobs since 1929. There was joy to be found here and there, however, and it was in the family of Thomas and Thelma Murphy that there was great cause to celebrate. On May 18, 1933, they welcomed the birth of their fourth and youngest daughter, Hilda May, in Muskegon, Michigan. Hilda was raised in the family home in the Jackson Hill neighborhood on Yuba Street along with older sisters Jeanette, Phyllis, and Helen. Her father worked as a pipe fitter at Continental Motors while her mother worked at Lakey Foundry. Hilda attended Froebel Elementary School and then went on to Muskegon High School. While she was still a teen, Hilda became acquainted with a young man with whom she would write an eloquent love story that spanned more than 50 years. His name was Charles Smith, and he was four years her senior. From the night they were set up on a blind date, a romance blossomed between Hilda and Charles, even as he went off to serve his country in the Navy. While he was gone, they corresponded through letters, and Hilda kept busy doing secretarial work. Once he returned, Hilda and Charles resumed their relationship right where they left off. It wasnt long before they both knew that they wanted to be together for the rest of their lives. They were united in marriage on May 22, 1953. Soon after they became husband and wife, Hilda and Charles were blessed to become parents to three wonderful children: Tom in 1954, Charles in 1956, and Cynthia in 1958. Initially their family lived on Giles Road, but they soon moved to a house on Hall Road where they also had 10 acres. They were a close-knit family who enjoyed spending time together. Precious memories were made while camping at various locations and also on their property on the Pine River in northern Michigan. For many years, Hilda and Charles raised pheasants on their property, hatching 1500 eggs a year. This was a family affair as the children also helped with the hatching. They then sold the birds to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), hunting clubs, or other places around Michigan. There were many interests that Hilda enjoyed throughout her life, many of them with Charles. They had a great love for the outdoors during all seasons, especially hunting and fishing. Together they enjoyed fishing for salmon on their boat in Lake Michigan, and they also belonged to a CB radio club in which Hildas handle was Hatcher. During the winter, Hilda enjoyed ice fishing and snowmobiling and during the warmer months, she had fun four-wheeling. She worked as a machine operator at Standard Automotive, but was forced to retire when arthritis left her unable to do her work any longer. Animals were always an important part of Hildas life, and she always had dogs and cats. She even rescued various injured animals such as squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, and deer, nursing them all back to health until they were ready to be released. Her retirement years provided Hilda with new opportunities to embrace. She and Charles traveled extensively with their pick up and trailer, even making their way through all of the contiguous 48 states. At times, their trips were quite impromptu as they headed out on the open road. When they retired, they sold their home to their son Charles and moved out to their son Toms property where they lived in their trailer. Eventually, they moved in with Tom. Nothing could have prepared Hilda for the great joy she would find in becoming a grandmother. She spent as much time as she could with her grandchildren and loved family gatherings including at Christmastime and at their annual pig roasts. Hilda had a huge vegetable garden at Toms house that she loved tending to. Big changes were in store for Hilda later in life. Charles was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and died very suddenly. The days following his death were difficult for her, but she kept as busy as she could with both her garden and her pets. Hilda also enjoyed trips to the casino, long rides in the car, eating at G & L, US 31 BBQ, and getting ice cream cones as well. She also started attending Calvary Memorial Church with Toms girlfriend, Krystal. Over the past 3 years, Hilda struggled with kidney problems and was put on dialysis. Eventually her combined health issues took their toll on Hilda, and she was unable to fight any longer. With so much love to give, Hilda Smith touched the hearts and lives of those around her in such a special way. She valued her family above all else and devoted herself to loving them each in their own unique way. Hilda loved the great outdoors and always seemed to be busy doing something whether on a grand or small scale. She was a remarkable woman with a heart of gold who will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by those she leaves behind. Hilda M. Smith died Friday, February 12, 2010. Hildas family includes 2 sons, Tom (Krystal Bowyer) Smith of Holton, Charles (Jennifer Borgman) Smith of Muskegon; daughter, Cynthia (Richard) Bourdo of Holton; 4 grandchildren, Charlie (Korin) Smith of Muskegon, Billy (Jordon) Bourdo of Twin Lake, Ashley (Josh) Patterson of Muskegon, Matt (Chris) Goven of Ludington; 6 great-grandchildren, Kyle, Presley, Payleigh, Paige, Paul, Emery; brother-in-laws, Alfred (Kelley) Smith of AZ, Floyd (Evelyn) Smith of Muskegon, Ron Spring of Montague; many nieces & nephews; and special pets, Sarah Sue & Sassy Sam. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2006, and by her foster daughter, Carol Fairfield. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Pastor Jeff Dunn officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visit with Hildas family and friends on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon location Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.