Betty Smith

GAASTRA — Betty J. Smith, age 88, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2020, in Gilbert, Ariz.

She was born on Jan. 4, 1932, in Bates Township; the daughter of the late James and Agnes (Goulett) Franzene. Betty attended the Bates schools. She married the late Harry Smith on Sept. 17, 1949, in Iron River, and they made their home in Gaastra. The couple celebrated 68 years of marriage before Harry’s passing.

Betty was employed at the former Stambaugh Hospital as a casual dietary aide starting in 1966 and then at the Iron County General Hospital until 1997. She was dietary manager at ICGH from 1996 until her retirement. In March 1997, Betty was celebrated for her 20 years of hospital employment. She was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church of Caspian. For the last two years Betty was spending her time between Gilbert and Sturgeon Bay, Wis. where she enjoyed making memories with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Betty enjoyed traveling, baking, crafts, gardening, reading and spending time with family.

Betty is survived by her sons, Douglas and Richard Smith of Palmer, Alaska and Randall (Toni) Smith of Columbia, S.C.; daughters, Lori (Steven) Ehlers of Sturgeon Bay and Julie (Tom) Lishner of Gilbert; 12 grandchildren; fi ve great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and extended family.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her sisters, Ramona Barnes, Barbara Hopper and Jackie LaVacque; and brother, Ronald Franzene.

Betty will be laid to rest by her husband’s side at Bates Township Cemetery and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Betty J. Smith online at www.jacobsfurneralhomeir.com. Local funeral arrangements are by the Jacobs Funeral Home Inc. of Iron River.