Evangeline D. 'Babe' Smith

EWEN, Mich. — Evangeline D. “Babe” Smith, 94, of Ewen, went to be with her Lord Dec. 11, 2018.

Babe was born Jan. 29, 1924, to Harry and Dora (Havel) Monfils. She married Herman Fanslau on Aug. 3, 1946, in Two Rivers, Wis.

They moved Topaz, purchasing a dairy farm and had four children, James (Elsie) Fanslau, of Topaz, Gene (Mary) Fanslau, of Strafford, N.H., Dora Brandes, of Zapata, Texas, and Allen (Donna) Fanslau, also of Texas.

Herman passed June 4, 1970. Babe was also preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy (Bill) Saubert.

Surviving Babe are sisters Jean (Dell) Erickson, of Zapata, and Patty Monfils, of Wisconsin. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Corey, John, Candy, Chris, Carol and Diana; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Babe later married George Smith May 27, 1976, in Bergland. George passed Dec. 11, 2003. George’s family includes Dan Smith, Shelly (Parker) Manley, Sarah (Bill) Pietila, Trent, BJ, Patricia and Shawn.

Babe was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a 4H leader, member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bergland and helped out with many organizations over the years. She loved to bake, especially her delicious cookies, which she said the secret was jumbo eggs. She often sent cookies to our troops.

She also loved to crochet, making beautiful afghans, along with other items for family and friends. In addition to being a house wife, Babe held many odd jobs over the years, providing for her family. Babe loved her family and always displayed their photos. She had many stories from the past, especially telling us about milking cows and shoveling the “it”!

The Cane Funeral Home of Ontonagon is assisting the family with arrangements.