SMITH, Betty

BETTY SMITH

Sept. 13, 1939 – Aug. 31, 2022

ELIZABETH ‘BETTY’ SMITH was nearing her 83rd birthday when on August 31st, she quietly passed away, into the arms of her Lord, Jesus Christ. Betty was still living in her new condo home in Lethbridge at the time of her passing. She is survived by her sons Michael (Brenda) and Richard (Diane), five grandchildren, four great- grandchildren and her five loving and devoted sisters, Carolyn, Marjorie, Kathy, Judy and Janice. She was predeceased by her life long love, Bill, in 2018 and son Geoffrey in 2022.

Betty was born in Pincher Creek on September 13, 1939, the first born daughter of Leslie and Dorothy Day (Wood). She grew up on the family farm north of Cowley, at the junction of the Crowsnest and Livingstone (Old Man) Rivers. After completing her schooling at Lundbreck, Betty joined the first class of the Lethbridge Junior College followed by one further year of teacher training at University in Calgary. Betty was quick to follow in the footsteps of other family members and respected people of the community when she came back ‘home’ to teach school, starting with temporary positions at Johnson’s Sawmill Camp school and Valley Fair School before taking a full time position at Matthew Halton High School in Pincher Creek. She later became the school librarian as well, which is where she spent the remainder of her career until retiring in 1994.

During her working career, she also supported Bill in ranching, accounting and all of his other endeavours as well as raising three busy boys. Betty and Bill were active in the First Baptist Church of Pincher Creek, Mill Creek Camp, Friends of the Library and many other community groups. After retirement she particularly enjoyed participating in the book and bridge clubs.

Betty was well known for her belief that no one should ever go hungry and always had a place at the table for friends, family and strangers. It wasn’t a good dinner unless the table was surrounded by happy people.

After Bill passed away in 2018, Betty sold the family farm and moved to Lethbridge where she joined family members there for a brief time before her move to her eternal resting place. Betty’s favourite verse was “I lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where does my strength come from? My strength comes from You, Lord, maker of heaven and earth”.

A Funeral Service will be held at the CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH, 637 Charlotte St., Pincher Creek on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

In memory of Betty, donations may be made to Mill Creek Camp (Box 132, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0), Windy Slopes Health Foundation (Box 2554, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0) or a charity of one’s choice.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com