Betty Jane Smith

Betty Jane Smith, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 3, 2024 at her home of Mesa, Arizona in the presence of family. Betty was born October 18, 1930 in Bennington Township, MI to Orin and Beulah (Parkhurst) Cornish.

Betty grew up in Coldwater MI and graduated Coldwater High School in 1948.

After high school Betty began a 43-year career working at Jobbers Services now known as Alliance Foods, Inc. She started in a receptionists-clerical position and advanced to become Vice President and Treasurer as well as Chairman of the Office of the Presidency. Betty was also a member of the National Association for Female Executives.

In May 1956 Betty married Robert (Bob) L. Smith, of Orland IN, son of the late Ned and Ruth Smith, in the First Baptist Church of Coldwater which they attended for many years. Betty and Bob were happily married for over 60 years, 40 of which were spent in the home built by Bob in Shady Oaks Park on the Marble-Coldwater chain of lakes.

Since 1991 Betty and Bob enjoyed wintering in Mesa AZ at the Towerpoint Resort, spending time with their son Kirby, his family, and friends, enjoying an active retired life. In 2015 Betty and Robert relocated permanently to Mesa AZ.

Betty enjoyed sports and the outdoors. She participated in basketball and golf leagues and enjoyed swimming and playing tennis. She and Bob enjoyed many wonderful camping trips with their sons Kirby and Greg, throughout the U.S. and Canada. Later in life she and Bob square and round danced with the Merry Mixers of Coldwater.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Robert L. Smith, and son Gregory L. Smith, her parents, brothers Robert and Mack Cornish and sisters Norma Arnold, Joan Ross, Ruth Swain, and Virginia Campbell.

Betty is survived by son Daryl Kirby (Pamela) Smith and grandson Thaddeus J. Smith of Mesa, AZ, and granddaughter Aubrey M. (David) Beck and great-grandson Ford Beck of Elverson PA, sister Anne Anderson, brothers Orin and David as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place and her cremains will be interred in Oak Grove Cemetery, Coldwater MI at a future date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a charity or organization of your choice. Condolences may be left on Betty J. Smith’s online guestbook at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/11755575