Betty R. Smith

Betty R Smith, 85, peacefully passed away on March 23, 2024. Betty was the oldest daughter of Ruth and Olin Taylor; she was born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio. Betty was one of seven children in her family and was the queen of bologna and Kool-Aid lunches for her younger siblings.

Betty joins her soulmate, Daniel Smith whom she married in 1961. Together they enjoyed over 61 years of life, raising a family, travelling to local parks, beaches and anywhere they could spend time together outdoors. Their love for one another was evident in the joy on their faces when you saw them together around town or in the comfort of their own home.

Dan and Betty were the epitome of a loving family and nurturing parents. Together they taught the values of respect, honesty, hard work, dedication, compassion, faith, and love. They were united by their love of family; they nurtured each other’s weaknesses and celebrated each other’s successes. In 1962, their first child, Roger, was born and their daughter Christy arrived three years later. The family spent countless dinners together, sharing the activities of the day and working as a unit to prepare dinner and clean up afterwards. The family unit was strong, there was no question on the plethora of love which existed.

Betty started working at FPL before moving to Ohio in 1962; once in Ohio she worked in various business and administrative roles. She was an office manager at Charles Business Machines, the administrative assistant to two Assistant Superintendents in the West Muskingum School District; as well as the guidance administrative assistant at Muskingum Joint Vocational School. In later years, Betty and Dan moved back to Florida. They established a new home in Port Charlotte, Florida in 1998. Betty served as the financial secretary at First Presbyterian Church of Port Charlotte, until her retirement in 2019.

Betty leaves her son (Roger), daughter (Christy), son-in-law (Ron) and kitty (Sapphire) to continue her legacy of life and love. Betty never met a stranger; she was kind to all and lived her life to the fullest; sharing joy in the many lives she touched through her journey on Earth. Additionally, Betty is survived by her brothers, Earldean, Danny, and Jerry Taylor, as well as her sister Clarinda Jane Carter. Many nieces and nephews also survive her.

The family will hold a private ceremony later this year. The family requests you share a kind word with another to honor Betty and Dan’s legacy. If able, the family gladly encourages a gift to Peace River Veterinary Clinic’s Care to Share program. This program assists families in need when caring for their furry loved one. The gift may be sent to:

Peace River Veterinary Clinic

Attn: Dr. Mark DeGrove

327 Cross Street

Punta Gorda, FL 33980