Betty Jean Smith

Betty Jean Smith, 86, of Niles, died Sunday morning, January 5th, at the Continuing Health Care at the Ridge Nursing Center in Mineral Ridge. 

She was born September 19, 1938 in Olive Hill, KY, a daughter of Lenzie E. and Opal (Crisp) Gilliam.

Betty was a 1956 graduate of Mineral Ridge High School and worked as a nursing assistant for St. Joseph's Hospital in Warren, retiring after sixteen years.

She married Ted F. Smith, Jr. in 1957. They shared more than 40 years of marriage and many happy memories together, prior to his passing July 14, 1998.

Betty was a longtime member of the Niles Wesleyan Methodist Church. She enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, and working in her yard. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. Betty was a kind loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by two children; Terry (Monica Dunn) Smith, of Niles, and Linda (Russell) Roose, of Girard. She also leaves behind a brother, Ray (Carol) Gilliam, of Cortland; a granddaughter, Sarah (Dan) Wood; and a great-granddaughter, Emma Catherine Wood.

Besides her husband, Betty was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Sherry Jean Smith; three brothers, Forest, Iris, and William O. Gilliam; and a sister, Arlene Gregory.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM Thursday, January 9th, at the Wm. Nicholas Funeral Home, 614 Warren Ave., Niles.

Friends may call one hour prior to services from 11:00 AM - Noon Thursday at the funeral home.

Betty will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband in the Crown Hill Burial Park, Vienna.