1939-2026
Betsy Elaine Smith, 87, of West Liberty, passed away Friday evening, July 3, 2026, at Otterbein Green Hills Senior Life Community.
Betsy was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, on February 19, 1939, to the late Samuel Sewell Johnson and Betty Ruth (Willits) Johnson. She graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1957, and had a lot of good memories growing up on the farm. Following graduation, she moved to California where she loved the water and beach life. After returning to Ohio, Betsy worked as a librarian in Bellefontaine for the Logan County Libraries until retiring in 2004. She had a motherly heart, and always welcomed friends of her children into her home.
Betsy is survived by a daughter Cynthia Pearson of Dayton; son James (Fran) Smith of Bellefontaine; 3 grandchildren: Adam Smith, Hannah Smith Hugel, and Evelyn Pearson; 2 siblings: Seth Johnson of California, and Rebecca Gibson of Bellefontaine; and 8 nieces and nephews: Heidi, Hope, Donald Ray, Priscilla, Seth, Michael, Cathy, and Tammy. Betsy was preceded in death by a sister Sabra Hodnett, and a niece Debby.
Pastor Don Bender will officiate Betsy’s funeral service on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 1pm at the Eichholtz & Daring Funeral Home & Cremation Center, West Liberty. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from noon until 1pm. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, West Liberty.
EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Center, West Liberty, is honored to serve the Smith family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com
