Betty Katherine (Akin) Smith

Betty Katherine (Akin) Smith, 91 years of age, passed Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at The Historic Villages of Silvercrest in New Albany, Indiana. The daughter of the late Leonard Taft and Mary Lucille (Gerdon) Akin, Betty was born December 20, 1929 in Galena, Indiana. Her family moved to Greensburg, Kentucky and then back to Indiana when Betty was 17 years old. This is when she met the love of her life, William “Bill” Smith. She and Bill were married in 1950 and were married 55 years until Bill’s death in 2005. Together they raised a son, James Smith, who proudly asserts that, “she was the best mother in the universe”. Over the years, Betty impacted many lives as a certified surgical technologist and dedicated 13 years of service to the former St. Edwards Hospital in New Albany and then over 25 years to Floyd Memorial Hospital, New Albany. She loved her career, but she thoroughly enjoyed her family, extended family, traveling, and her poodles. In addition to her husband and parents, Betty was preceded in death by three brothers, John, Bernard, and Ron Akin. She is survived by her son, James; sister, Lucy Keinsley; brother, Daniel Phillip Akin (Margaret); and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 4 pm ~ 7 pm Wednesday, July 21st, at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, Indiana. Her Funeral Service will be celebrated at 1 pm Thursday, July 22nd, in the Kraft Charlestown Road Chapel with private burial to follow in Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park, New Albany. Contributions in Betty’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. You may share memories or offer condolences by visiting www.kraftfs.com.