ELIZABETH SMITH

Betty Smith passed away peacefully at Cherry Meadows Hospice on January 8, 2015. A lifelong resident of Neenah, she was born on June 7, 1923 to Martha and William Hardt. Betty was a 1941 graduate of Neenah High School and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Neenah where she was confirmed. She married Raymond A. Smith on May 31, 1947, a union that blessed them with 67 years of joy. Betty joined the First Presbyterian Church in Neenah where she remained a faithful member, active in Bible Study groups and the Women's Society. Betty served as the Personal Administrator for the S.F. Shattuck family for over 25 years, a position in which she took great pride. She and her husband traveled throughout Europe and the British Isles, where they cultivated many lasting friendships. An active lifelong learner, Betty had an inviting curiosity and inquisitiveness of things unknown. To that end, she and Raymond were yearly attendees at Bjorklunden in Door County for over 25 years, studying subjects from opera and classical literature to world history. She loved to read and was particularly fond of poetry. She was a member of Y. T. & F., an area literary group, for over 50 years, presenting lectures and reviews. She enjoyed the camaraderie she found in the Neenah Tuesday Club and her P.E.O. Sisterhood. Betty was highly regarded for her sense of dignity, propriety, and decorum. She saw the good in all who she met and possessed a genuine understanding and sensitivity for others. She maintained a strong interest in the activities and education of young people and was a constant source of encouragement and support of their endeavors. Betty is survived by her husband, Raymond; a niece, Gretchen Oakley, Florida; nephews, Dan Hardt, Florida and Bill Hardt, Arizona and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Dan Hardt and six sisters, Margaret Hardt, Edna Reinke, Helen Huttenbrauck, Esther Zschaechner, Marian Leiser, and Lois Hardt. A Memorial Service has been planned for Friday, January 23 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 200 Church Street, Neenah. A visitation will take place at the church at 10:00 a.m. preceding the service. Memorials may be directed to the Presbyterian Church, the Bergstrom Mahler Museum, or a charity of choice.