Laurie Elaine Gager

Laurie Elaine Gager, age 48, of Elwell, a devoted daughter, wife, and mother, who’s greatest joy was her family, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was born in Alma, Michigan on April 6, 1978, the daughter of Randy and D’Anne (Benzinger) Smith. Laurie graduated from Alma High School in 1996. On September 13, 1997, she was united in marriage with her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Travis Gager. Their union was blessed with a daughter and two sons. Their family enjoyed camping trips, snowmobiling, and hiking adventures, making many happy memories together. Laurie treasured every moment spent with those she loved. She had a deep love for the outdoors and found happiness exploring nature with her family by her side.

When the family was not off outside adventuring, Laurie could often be found in the barn. Raised through 4-H, she carried that passion throughout her life and proudly raised her children in the fair community. Fair week was one of her favorite times of the year. She loved helping her children and other 4-H kids prepare their animals and projects. She found joy in mentoring others, working alongside her family, and celebrating the hard work and dedication that fair season brought.

Laurie truly loved farm life. She never passed up on an opportunity to help work livestock, move cows, or farrow pigs. Her strong work ethic, caring heart, and willingness to lend a hand were admired by all who knew her. She created a life filled with love, hard work, laughter, and cherished memories that her family and friends will hold close forever.

Laurie will be remembered for her kindness, love of children, devotion to her family, love of farming, and the joy she brought to those around her. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the memories made with the people she loved most.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Arthur and Esther Benzinger and Arlo and Grace Smith.

Laurie is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Travis; children, Taylor Gager, Tanner Gager, Ty Gager; parents, Randy and D’Anne Smith; siblings, Charla (Scott) Kilgo, Amy (Jason) Omans; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11 A.M. at Community Baptist Church 1525 W. Superior Street, Alma, Michigan 48801 with Pastor Randy Brandon officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday at Community Baptist Church from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M. and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. A private burial will take place at Sumner Cemetery.