Betty J. Smith

March 1, 1925 - January 3, 2021

Mapleton – Betty J. Smith 95, passed away at 10:00 am on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at her home. Betty was born March 1, 1925 in Chicago to Harry and Gertrude Hansen. She was raised in the Catholic faith. Betty married Edward A. Smith on February 28, 1942 in St. Louis, MO. He preceded her in death in 1973. Betty worked at Hiram Walkers for 10 years and then at St. Joseph’s Home for an amazing 40 years before her retirement. Surviving is her son Richard Smith of Delavan; and daughters, Libby (Tom) Hibser of Ackworth, GA and Rebecca (Andy) Dozard of Mapleton. She has 11 grandchildren, Katie (David) Engelke, Krissie (Tim) Flanagan, Kirbie Holland and Bret Cassidy , Kally (Steve) Blahnik and Michael Smith all in IL, Carrie Hibser, Tom (Lyndsey) Hibser Jr. of GA, Kelsey (Casey) Rose of PA, Kory Smith, US Navy in HI, Bobby (Dave) Taylor of TN, and Edward Smith III of CO. Betty was also blessed with 8 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Gertrude Hansen and her sons Robert E. Smith and Edward A. Smith Jr of Peoria. Betty was the last of her siblings, Earl Hansen, Harry Hansen, and Shirlee Phillips all of the Quad City area, and Darlene Peterson of Peoria. Betty wanted mentioned, “My Family Was My Life.” She loved her family and was the best mother, grandmother and great-grandmother we could have asked for. Betty was a woman who appreciated the simple things in life and would do anything she could for her family. She will be missed more than she knows. Betty enjoyed bus trips with her friends, shopping, and watching the Cubs, Bears, and golf. Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services will be handling her cremation, and burial will eventually be at Rock Island National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband. There will be no visitation, but a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. She loved and supported St. Jude, to which donations can be made. We would like to give a heartfelt thank you to OSF Hospice; they are wonderful, caring people. Online condolences can be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.