Rosanell Smith, 91 of Troy MI passed away April 27, 2020. She was born in Black Rock Arkansas on October 19,1928. Rosanell graduated from Maynard High School receiving her high school diploma. On April 6, 1947 she married Rupert Austin Smith. In her early years Rosanell worked for Ford Motor Company as a bookkeeper and then for Time Construction. Rosanell’s most loved job was the work she did with the Rainbow Connection in Rochester MI for 25 years. There was nothing as important to her than doing all she could to raise donations to make sure that every child’s wish could be granted. She poured her heart into this charity with nothing but needs of the children in mind. Rosanell also volunteered at the American Red Cross for many years. She coordinated countless blood drives by calling on and encouraging everyone she knew to donate blood on regular basis to help those in need. Our favorite saying for Rosanell was “She could sell ice to an Eskimo.” Nothing was more important to Rosanell than helping and loving on others. Even in her final years at Lourdes Nursing home she worked at getting donations from those she loved for the Lourdes community to help out those who needed it. Rosanell is survived by her three children, Rheta Lauren (Tom) Yow, Rhonda Janet (Stan) Jewell and Richard Austin (Mary) Smith. Her nine grandchildren, Lorrie Bettendorf (Kurt), Michael (Debby) Jewell, Karrie Yow, Marc Jewell, Ron (Kelly) Jewell, Marcie (Craig) Spinneweber, Sydney Smith, Blake Smith and Dylan Smith. Her 10 great grandchildren Madelyn, Myranda, Mallary, Mason, Nicole, Sarah, Cameron, Alex, Carly, Julia. There was nothing more important in this world to Rosanell than her God and family. She loved unconditionally not just her family but everyone who came into her life. She was thankful for everyday she had and did everything she could to spread that joy to anyone she came in contact with on a daily basis. Her smile and laugh were contagious and will be missed greatly. At this time due to the Corona virus a funeral will be held for the immediate family only. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date when it safe for all to come and honor this amazing woman who meant so much to all who knew her. Memorial contributions may be made in Rosanell’s honor to The Rainbow Connection online at www.rainbowconnection.org or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org
