Norita L. Blower

Norita L. Blower, “Nita”, age 87, of Bear Lake, Kalkaska County passed away at home on Easter, April 20, 2025. Nita was surrounded by her family and loving husband of 68 years, Norman, “Norm”. Norita was born on August 9, 1937 in Rochester, NY, to the late Lewis Butler Smith and Retha Washington Truelove. Nita was the third eldest of 6 children. Her father was a single parent, and from a young age, Nita was instrumental in raising her younger siblings. By 13 years of age and throughout high school, she worked as a nanny in Saginaw, MI. She attended high school in Bay City and Saginaw, graduating from Arthur Hill High School. After high school she was employed by Bell Telephone. She married Norm in 1956 and they had their first child, Victoria, the following year. They bought and lived many years at her grandmother’s farm in Freeland. They lived intermittently in Florida and lastly in Perry, MI before building a home at Bear Lake. Nita was a caring, giving person. Her family feels very fortunate to have had her love and support throughout her long life. She was a homebody who loved living at the lake, watching the birds and deer in the yard, maintaining her beautiful flower gardens, reading, painting, and spending time with her family. She was an excellent cook and loved sharing her creations at lakeside gatherings. She possessed the MacGyver gene and could fix anything, lamps, appliances, TV’s. She was the consummate recycler before it was a “thing”. She got maximum enjoyment on the lake, Nordic skiing and was an avid slalom water skier well into her 70th decade, putting most of us to shame with her stamina. Nita is survived by her devoted husband, Norman. Her loving children: Victoria Blower and husband David Schmid of Alaska, David Blower of Bear Lake, Janine Wrightson and husband Walter of Bear Lake and Alaska. Her much-adored grandchildren: Candace Stickler and husband Dustin of Kingsley, Tanner Blower of Bear Lake. Great-grandchildren Eva and Clay Stickler. Siblings: Hugh Smith, Dick and Lee Smith, Sheila Ammon, Lonny and Barb Smith, Phil Smith. Not being one to draw attention to herself, she chose not to have a funeral but to be cremated. A gathering in the fall to celebrate her life will be announced at a later date. The Blower family wants to thank all of our family and friends who sent their love and support during Mom’s illness. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to PanCAN or the Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Norita L. Blower

August 9, 1937 - April 20, 2025