In Memory Of
Elizabeth L. Smid
1926
2021
Elizabeth L. Smid
September 10, 1926 — January 12, 2021
Elizabeth (Betty) Lavinia Smid (Coles), 94, passed away on January 12, 2021, in Olathe, Kansas. Beloved wife of the late Robert J. Smid, Betty was born at her family home in Taunton, Somerset, England, on Sept. 10, 1926.
This British beauty caught the eye of a handsome, clarinet and sax playing American soldier named Bob at an American Red Cross dance. On January 14, 1946, Betty wore a wedding gown donned by seven other "war brides" and married Bob at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Taunton.
With Bob heading back to the U.S. alongside his fellow troops, Betty bravely boarded the S.S. Saturnia with hundreds of other war brides headed for New York City.
Betty and Bob made the Chicago area their home, and went on to have three children: Karen (Honey), Kathleen (Kathie), and Robert (Bob).
Betty was an incredible cook, known for her famous potato dumplings, kolache, banana bread, and rum cake. She loved a hot cup of tea, the casino, Turner Classic Movies, Frank Sinatra, Fannie May Meltaways, and wine. Betty was a proud U.S. citizen who loved America and her British roots equally. But most of all, she loved spending time with her family.
Betty was often called a "sturdy" woman due to her unwavering strength. From carrying a gas mask to school during World War II to beating cancer in her late 70s, Betty's spirit always held strong. In short, Betty Smid was a treasure, and she will be greatly missed by many.
She is survived by her daughter Kathie (Matthew) Hartigan, son Bob (Theresa) Smid; son-in-law Carl Johnston; grandchildren Lori (Darin) Ballew, Shelly (Lee) Baker, Kristin (Trent) Sullivan, Jennifer (Greg) Knobel, Christine (William) Falk, Joseph (Carrie) Hartigan, Jack Hartigan, Stephanie (Gerry) Sears, and Lisa (Ryan) Huff; great-grandchildren Jacob, Josh and Kate (Ballew), Luke, Allison and Sarah (Baker), Veronica Sullivan, Maria Price, Brooke Knobel, Ben and James Falk, Lilly and Logan Sears, and Skyler and Bennett Huff; nieces Christine (Rob) Nicholas and Karen (David) Stone; great-nephews Ashley (Ruth) and Matthew (Vanessa) Nicholas.
She is preceded in death by her parents George and Elizabeth Coles, sisters Dorothy, Kathleen (Kathy) and Eileen, and daughter Karen (Carl) Johnston.
A private memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 19, at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home. A celebration of her life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Evergreen Community of Johnson County at www.ecojc.org.
To leave a special message of condolence for Betty's family, or to share a special memory of Betty, visit the guestbook below.
Click the image below to watch Betty's service
This British beauty caught the eye of a handsome, clarinet and sax playing American soldier named Bob at an American Red Cross dance. On January 14, 1946, Betty wore a wedding gown donned by seven other "war brides" and married Bob at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Taunton.
With Bob heading back to the U.S. alongside his fellow troops, Betty bravely boarded the S.S. Saturnia with hundreds of other war brides headed for New York City.
Betty and Bob made the Chicago area their home, and went on to have three children: Karen (Honey), Kathleen (Kathie), and Robert (Bob).
Betty was an incredible cook, known for her famous potato dumplings, kolache, banana bread, and rum cake. She loved a hot cup of tea, the casino, Turner Classic Movies, Frank Sinatra, Fannie May Meltaways, and wine. Betty was a proud U.S. citizen who loved America and her British roots equally. But most of all, she loved spending time with her family.
Betty was often called a "sturdy" woman due to her unwavering strength. From carrying a gas mask to school during World War II to beating cancer in her late 70s, Betty's spirit always held strong. In short, Betty Smid was a treasure, and she will be greatly missed by many.
She is survived by her daughter Kathie (Matthew) Hartigan, son Bob (Theresa) Smid; son-in-law Carl Johnston; grandchildren Lori (Darin) Ballew, Shelly (Lee) Baker, Kristin (Trent) Sullivan, Jennifer (Greg) Knobel, Christine (William) Falk, Joseph (Carrie) Hartigan, Jack Hartigan, Stephanie (Gerry) Sears, and Lisa (Ryan) Huff; great-grandchildren Jacob, Josh and Kate (Ballew), Luke, Allison and Sarah (Baker), Veronica Sullivan, Maria Price, Brooke Knobel, Ben and James Falk, Lilly and Logan Sears, and Skyler and Bennett Huff; nieces Christine (Rob) Nicholas and Karen (David) Stone; great-nephews Ashley (Ruth) and Matthew (Vanessa) Nicholas.
She is preceded in death by her parents George and Elizabeth Coles, sisters Dorothy, Kathleen (Kathy) and Eileen, and daughter Karen (Carl) Johnston.
A private memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 19, at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home. A celebration of her life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Evergreen Community of Johnson County at www.ecojc.org.
To leave a special message of condolence for Betty's family, or to share a special memory of Betty, visit the guestbook below.
Click the image below to watch Betty's service
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elizabeth L. Smid, please visit our flower store.
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