Pauline “Virginia” Smith, 96, ended her long struggle with dementia early Sunday morning, January 16,
2022, just 8 days short of her 97 th birthday. She had been a resident at Allegan Medical Care Community
since her stroke in March, 2019.
Virginia was born on January 24, 1925 in Clyde Township to Dorothy & Elisha Ampey. Virginia grew up
near Gobles with her parents and two brothers, Jasper “Bud” and Norman, all of whom have preceded
her in death. In 1950 she married Dale W. Smith, who also preceded her in death in 2013.
Virginia and Dale were active members of the Allegan Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Virginia
was a woman whose faith was very important to her. Her kind, gentle, and positive spirit made her a joy
to be around, as noted by all who knew her.
Virginia had a green thumb with plants and loved to nurture them. She always had a wide variety of
plants and flowers in and around her home. It brought her great pleasure to watch them grown.
Virginia also loved to knit and crochet and made many beautiful gifts for others over the years. Her love
for the craft was passed on to her daughter, Beverly (Ron) Gibson, who survives.
Virginia is also survived by 4 sister-in-laws: Goldean Tate, Julia Ampey, Riva Ampey, Marion Smith, and
many nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to all the compassionate and caring staff at Allegan Medical Care Community who cared
for mom. You truly make a difference and are appreciated more than words can say.
According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. A Zoom Memorial Service is being planned for
Saturday, February 19 th , 2022 at 2pm. A link to the Zoom Service will be provided on Virginia’s memory
page prior to the service at www.amsfuneralhomes.com. Friends are invited to share a memory of
Virginia and sign the guest book on the memory page.
