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Deborah Smith Reinking, age 78 of Onekama, Michigan died peacefully on October 15, 2017 at the Manistee County Medical Care Facility in Manistee, Michigan.

Debbie was born on November 25, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Allen and Lucile (Braithwaite) Smith. She graduated from Manistee High School, class of 1956, attended Albion College and then graduated with honors from the University of Michigan with a BS in business in 1960. Debbie married Ronald L. Reinking on September 21, 1963 at the First Congregational Church in Manistee, MI. They shared 53 years of marriage. Debbie began her career at Arthur Andersen of Chicago, Illinois as an executive secretary. In 1968, they moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she was a homemaker and volunteer while her children were young, then resumed her career as Travel Director with Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation for 16 years, planning and leading trips from Chicago Cubs games to overseas tours.

Debbie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She cherished her family and friends deeply. She loved making things special with her thoughtful nature and attention to detail. Entertaining at her home and Onekama cottage, traveling and volunteering kept her busy and happy. She was musically inclined, playing piano, flute and singing in the church choir for years. Debbie loved Chicago Cubs baseball and Big Ten basketball, concerts, theater, gardening and the beauty of Northern Michigan. She loved her husband, Ron and her Lord and Savior beyond measure and joins them now in her heavenly home.

She is survived by her daughter Pamela Core of Mooresville, NC and her husband Larry; her son, Douglas Reinking of Chicago, IL and his wife Lauren; grandchildren Riley and Alyssa Core, and Caroline Reinking; her brother Preston Smith and his wife Debra, as well as cousins, nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Saturday, Oct 21 from 10am-12pm at Oak Grove Funeral home in Manistee, MI, with the funeral service at 1pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5471 Fairview
Street, Onekama, Michigan, 49675. A luncheon will follow at the church, open to all.

Memorials in Debbie’s name can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Onekama, Michigan.

Oak Grove funeral home in Manistee, MI has been entrusted with the arrangements. To share a photo or memory with the family, please visit Debbie’s personal page at www.oakgrovefh.com.

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