April 10, 1930 - December 3, 2020
Betty J. Smith, 90, of Belleville passed away on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020 at Valley View Haven, Belleville, due to complications from COVID-19.
She was born on April 10, 1930 to the late Luther and Eleanor (Huey) Metz. She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Donald F. Smith Sr. and children Donald F. (JoAnn) Smith Jr. of Reading, Mary Jo Smith of Monroeville, & Karen (Bill) Purnell of Enola. Grandchildren Alex (Brianna) Smith, Angela (Avery) Peechatka, and Courtney, Kyle & Nicole Purnell and great granddaughter Avalie Smith. Her brother, Dr. Glen (Barbara) Metz of Salinas, California also survives. Numerous beloved nieces & nephews also survive.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Louise Westover, Martha Gates, Joan Smucker, Luther Metz, and infant brother James Metz.
Betty was a 1948 graduate of Huntingdon High School and a 1951 graduate of the Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing. She was employed as a Registered Nurse at the Lewistown Hospital and after taking time away from nursing to raise her family, she returned to nursing at Valley View Haven. She was a dedicated and beloved RN, co-worker and supervisor for over 25 years before her retirement.
She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Belleville, where she had served as a Sunday School & Bible School teacher and participated in the Lutheran Church Women’s Group. She also served on the Belleville Ambulance Club.
Betty enjoyed crossword puzzles and was an avid gardener. She was an expert at canning and freezing fresh fruits and vegetables harvested from her garden. Her homemade applesauce was a special favorite of her children and grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook and baker and enjoyed passing on her apple pie recipe to her grandchildren. She was known for the delicious tier cakes made for her children’s birthdays. At the annual Hertzler reunion, family always requested “Betty’s Brownies”.
Above all, Betty was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and aunt. She cherished time spent with her immediate and extended family, especially family gatherings at holidays, birthdays, and reunions. She never missed sending a birthday card and always had a Whoopie pie or her favorite Peppermint Pattie candy to share with you. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the care of Henderson Funeral Home, Belleville.
The family wishes to thank the many dedicated staff at Valley View who cared for and loved Betty, especially during these difficult times.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Endowment Fund at Valley View Haven, 4702 E. Main St. Belleville.
Online condolences may be offered at www.hendersonfuneralhomes.net.
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