Ojars Andris Smits

Ojars Andris Smits, 81, Noblesville, passed away August 29, 2018.  He was born September 16, 1936, in Malpils, Latvia, the son of the late Ansis and Cecilija (Saar) Smits.  He married Mary Jo Dunkirk on June 9, 1962.

Ojars spent his childhood in Latvia, Germany, and Bangor, Michigan. He attended Kalamazoo College, where he met his wife, Mary Jo, in the college library. He received his master’s degree in History from Western Michigan University.  He enjoyed an 18-year career as an educator and administrator.  He was a dedicated golfer and an avid sports fan. Ojars enjoyed traveling and crossed the county on many road trips throughout his life. He was active in his community as an educator, a city council member, a member of the Lions Club and a long time member of Saranac Community Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Jo Smits; daughter, Heather (Wesley) Morrison; grandson, Raylan; brother, Vilnis (Vicki) Smits; sister-in-law, Patricia Smits; nephews, Markus Smits and Matthew (Dianna) Smits; niece, Erin (Craig) Fichtelberg; great nephew, Dylan Fichtelberg; and great niece, Ellie Fichtelberg.  He was preceded in passing by a brother, Ansis Smits.

Memorial services will be Tuesday, September 4^th at 11am at Saranac Community Church in Saranac, Michigan.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Lions Club International or the Saranac Community Church Food Pantry.  Online condolences may be shared by visiting flannerbuchanan.com.  Arrangements were entrusted to Flanner Buchanan – Carmel.