Betty Jean Smith, age 87, of Mount Gilead, died of natural causes Sunday afternoon, June 26, 2011, at the Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus.
On February 15, 1924, Betty was born at her home in Mount Gilead, the only child of the late Walter and Millie (Graham) Whitney. She graduated from Johnsville High School in the Class of 1942.
After graduation, Betty worked at Ohio Brass with her childhood sweetheart, Howard Wesley Smith, during war time. They were married on February 20, 1944, at the Grace Bretheran Church in Johnsville, OH. Together they shared over fifty one years of marriage and lovingly raised three children: Jean, David and Bill; as well as a foster daughter, Marie. He preceded her in death on October 4, 1995.
Always placing the needs of her family before her own, Betty was glad to help in any way her family needed. For her parents, she would help with the chores at home and help with the family farm. For Howard, she assisted him with the operations of their farm, Shady Lane Farm, and she assisted with the operations of Smith Heating Business, both for over 30 years.
For many years, Betty also worked as a sales representative for Modlich Monument’s in Columbus, Ohio.
Dedicated to the people of Johnsville and Morrow County, Betty was a member of the Williamsport United Methodist Church, Rural Mothers Club, Morrow County Historical Society, and she was a 4-H Advisor in Morrow County for over 20 years. She was a 50 plus year member of the Williamsport Grange, where she had been active with their music programs.
A life-long Republican, Betty served on the Morrow County Republican Committee for Perry South, for several terms and completed her husband’s term as Perry Township Trustee after his unexpected passing.
Known as Mr. and Mrs. Morrow County Gourd Show, Betty and Howard were the heart and soul of the show for many years. All year round, they would promote the Gourd Show wherever they went. And come show time, they were instrumental in making sure everything was done. They were also members of the American and Ohio Gourd Society. Betty had a passion for sewing, and enjoyed putting up pickles and preserves from her garden. She loved going to auctions and garage sales, and her flea market was a Johnsville landmark.
Her family will forever be grateful for her dedication to them, as a mother and grandmother, it was simply put that she was “wonderful”. She will be dearly missed by her daughter and son-in-law, Jean (Smith) and John McClintock of Johnsville; a granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Giovanna Marie (Smith) and Brian Hickey; three grandchildren: Brianna Marie, Job Michael and Rose Marie Hickey, who reside in Sandusky, Ohio; and a foster daughter, Marie Faltay of Vermillion, Ohio.
Including her husband and parents, Betty was preceded in death by her son, David Walter Smith in 1973.
Betty’s family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2011, at the Snyder Funeral Home, 76 S. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services honoring her life will be held on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at her graveside in Shauck Cemetery, 6707 U.S. Rte. 42, Johnsville, with Pastor Patricia Reiter officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Williamsport United Methodist Church and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
To express your private condolences to Betty’s family, you may do so online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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