Betty J. Smith, 94, passed away Sunday, October 11, 2020, at North Kansas City Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.
Betty was born on February 8, 1926, to Henry and Mae (Everett) Hendricks, in Potwin, Kansas where she was raised. On February 14, 1945, she married Richard Smith in Eldorado, Kansas. Betty and Richard moved to Milan, Missouri in the mid 1960’s.
During WW2, Betty worked at Boeing riveting airplane wings, and later at Sullivan County Memorial Hospital where she was an X-ray technician where she retired. Betty joined the Milan Rebekah Lodge #435 in the 60’s and was still a member. She was the longest tenured Rebekah at the time of her passing. She served in almost every office including President and Vice President. In retirement she was very active in Rebekahs. Betty enjoyed bowling and was a state champion league bowler for several years. She also enjoyed sewing and making quilts. Betty enjoyed traveling and loved spending time with her family and the little ones.
Betty is survived by seven grandchildren; Jeremy Smith of Eldorado, Kansas, Chris Smith (Michelle) of Jamesport, Missouri, Melanie Burnett (Roger) of Neodesha, Kansas, Melissa Files (Michael) of Eldorado, Kansas, Jody Smith (Lisa) of Manhattan, Kansas, Jared Smith (Heidi) of Richmond, Missouri and Brett Smith (Jody) of Richmond, Missouri, 14 great grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sons; Gaylen Smith, David Smith and Mark Smith, and great grandchild Stephen Smith.
Services for Betty will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 17, 2020, at Schoene Ruschmeier Funeral Home, in Milan. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery north of Milan.