Elizabeth Smolak

Surrounded by family, Elizabeth “Beth” Ann Smolak, age 82, went to be with the Lord on June 4, 2025, following a brief illness. Born on July 16, 1942, to the late John and Elizabeth Dunning, Beth was one of eight children. She was a lifelong resident of Columbus, Ohio, graduated from North High School in 1960, and married in 1966. Beth loved all animals, especially her dogs. She enjoyed baking, working in her flower garden, and always looked forward to attending concerts and shows with her children. She was rooted in her faith and was a longtime parishioner at St. James the Less Catholic Church. After raising her five children, she worked at Riverside Methodist Hospital and was grateful for her opportunity to serve others. Beth saw beauty in the simple things and always put others before herself. More than anything, Beth loved her family. She felt that her greatest accomplishment was her children, and nothing brought her more joy than being “Mom” and “Granny.” She loved unconditionally and supported her children and grandchildren in every endeavor. She was a fierce protector, and a constant source of strength. Beth was preceded in death by her parents, John and Elizabeth Dunning, as well as her brothers, Jackie, Steve and Don Dunning. She is survived by her husband of fifty-eight years, Gerald Smolak; her children, Jerry Lee Smolak, Michael Smolak, Michelle (Tim) Grimm, Julie (Mike) Krueger, Theresa (Travis) Wright; eleven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; her sisters Sandy Finney and Sally (Bill) Miller; her brothers Bobby (Sherry) Dunning and Jimmy Dunning; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services by Schoedinger-North, 5554 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 10:00am at St. James the Less Catholic Church, 1652 Oakland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43224. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 9571 North High Street, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035.