Evelyn Doris Smalley

Evelyn D. Smalley of Lansing, age 86, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on April 14, 2017. She was born November 23, 1930 in Lansing MI. Evelyn was one of five children born to Russell and Mary Bernard. Evelyn worked several part time jobs throughout her life, but her main job as she would tell you was to take care and enjoy her family. She loved to sit and watch her beloved Detroit Tigers, but was quick to criticize when they didn’t play up to expectations. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 63 years Bruce; daughter, Dena; sister, Betty Duckert and brother, Russell Bernard. Surviving are her children Jerry (Debi), Dee (Kathy), Steve, Dawn (Dan), Lynn (Steve), Ryan (Cathie); 15 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren; sisters, Mary Lou Karkau, Joan Calvert and brother Richard Bernard. A memorial service for the immediate family will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be in made in Evelyn’s name to the American Cancer Society, 1755 Abbey Road, East Lansing MI 48823. The family would like to thank the staff and Nicole Brady in particular, at the Ingham County Medical Care Facility for their exceptional care of Evelyn and the unmeasured kindness and support they provided to the family. Also, a special thanks to Evelyn’s daughters Dee, Lynn and Kathy whose unselfish caregiving for their mother these past few years has been deeply appreciated by the entire family.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com.