Ember L. (Hunter) Smith, age 86, of Gladstone, formerly of Crystal Falls, passed away Monday night, May 10, 2021 at Christian Park Village.
Ember was born January 11, 1935, in Iron River, MI, the daughter of Clyde and Mildred (Paulukuhn) Meverden.
Ember was raised in Amasa. Ember and Alvin Hunter were married in 1952 and lived in Crystal Falls. Together they had seven children.
She was united in marriage to Richard G. Smith, who preceded her in death in 1981. Ember worked at The Crystal Manor as a cook and baker for years. She also cooked at Memory Lane Resort and Westwood Supper Club.
Ember thoroughly enjoyed cooking and baking. Her favorites to make were candy and sweet breads. She would try any recipe that looked good. She also loved Christmas time. There could never be enough decorating. It was her tradition to make dozens of cookies and didn’t mind letting the kids decorate them how they wanted even with sprinkles everywhere! Her favorite Easter tradition was having an Easter egg tree. She was also good at sewing. She altered her children’s clothes and made Barbie clothes for the girls.
Every summer she made jam and jelly from all the berries that grew around the neighborhood. Ember canned or froze vegetables from her Uncle Clydes’ garden. She also liked to pick Arbutus in May. Having seven children she would have a hard time calling us by name and we would giggle as she went through ‘the list’ even the dog. Ember had her temper but was always kind. There was always room at her house and table for one more. She had Alzheimers for many years and still everyone called her sweet when she was at Murray’s Country View and the last 6 months at Christian Park Village.
Ember is survived by:
3 Sons: Tracy (Lisa) Hunter of Crystal Falls, MI
Larry Hunter of Crystal Falls, MI
Mike Hunter of Flagstaff, AZ
2 Daughters: Lori (Robert) Tourangeau of Gladstone(Flat Rock), MI
Patty (Tim) Hogan of Maple Grove, MN
Step Son: Glenn (Debbie) Smith of Florida
8 Grandchildren Shawn, Rhonda, Brian, Lee, Jami, Francis, Alison, and Dr. RaeAnn.
11 Great Grandchildren
And Honorary Daughter: Cindy (Tom) Dean
In addition to her Parents, Ember is preceded in death by:
Toddler Daughter: Shelly
Daughter: Debra Hunter-McMaster
Children’s father: Alvin Hunter
Husband: Richard Smith
And 2 Grandchildren: Robert and Eric Tourangeau
Family will be holding a private graveside service at their convenience.
April LaCarte - Escanaba, MI
I had the pleasure of taking care of ember prior to her need for more skilled cares at a nursing home. She was filled with so much love, very grateful for everything, always ready for a big hugs, kisses, and cuddles. She made you laugh, and her smile could make you feel so warm and could light up a room. Rest In Peace & Rest easy, my sweet sweet angel. Pray for all the peace and love to the wonderful family. For I miss seeing them all. My deepest condolences to you all, and know that she made an impact on more people than you realize. Beautiful person in and out. She will always have a special place in my heart.
Jean Horgan - Escanaba, MI
Sweet, sweet Ember. How I loved that she was a resident of Murray’s Country View and we were able to interact and care for her on a daily basis. She always loved her food VERY hot and her coffee “hot, hot and HOT.” Ember always had a smile on her face and brightened many a day for all of us…may that sweet angel rest in peace. Jean Horgan
Audrey Peloza - Marquette, MI
Oh Ember – I was very blessed to work with her at the Westwood Supper Club in Crystal Falls for many years. She was such a sweet person, so easy to talk to and a bit on the sassy side once you got to know her. Rest in Peace Ember!