Elaine Ann (Bodnar) DeSmith

Elaine Ann DeSmith, 89, of  O'Fallon, Illinois and formerly of Houghton Lake passed away on Monday November 18, 2024 at Highland Health Care in Highland, Illinois.

Elaine was born on March 11, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan to Alex and Anna (Igrisan) Bodnar. She grew up in the Detroit area where she graduated from high school.  Elaine met Archiel Joseph "Archie" DeSmith while living in Detroit and the couple married on January 29, 1955. The Couple moved to Houghton Lake from Detroit in 1969.  They owned and operated the Spring Creek Grocery Store on the North Shore of Houghton Lake from 1969 to 1978.  They also owned and operated the Montgomery Wards Catalog Store in Houghton Lake for several years.  Elaine also worked as an Administrative assistant in health care and rehabilitation. Elaine was a member of St. James Catholic Church and the CCW at St James.  She enjoyed spending time with her family especially her beloved Archie.

Surviving Mrs. DeSmith are her daughter, Deborah (Norman) Drabek of O'Fallon, IL; son, Archiel J. "Archie" DeSmith Jr. of Roscommon; six grandchildren, Andrea, Jaime, Lindsay, Brittany, Brandon, and Ashley;  nine great grandchildren; nephew, Brent Bodnar of Lansing; niece Cyndy Carlson of Texas; and great nephew Grant Carlson of Texas.  Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Archie DeSmith Sr; and brother Alfred Bodnar. 

Mass of Christian Burial for Elaine Ann DeSmith will be conducted at 11:00am Wednesday December 4, 2024 from St. James Catholic Church  with Fr. Rolando Silva officiating. Interment will be in Lake Township Cemetery, Houghton Lake. Visitation will be held on Wednesday December 4 from 10:00am until the time of the service at 11:00am.  Memorial contributions in memory of Elaine are asked to be directed to   American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or at www.heart.org   Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com

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