Obituary of Elizabeth Smith

Smith, Elizabeth "Betsy" Ann of Saginaw, Michigan Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister passed away peacefully on June 23, 2016 at Hoyt Nursing & Rehab Centre, with her family by her side. She was 86 years old. Elizabeth Ann Pruitt was born on June 19, 1930 in Brazil, Indiana to the late Virgil and Alberta (McDonald) Pruitt. After she graduated from high school, she was a U.S. missionary for two years. Betsy then met the love of her life and future husband, James Allen Smith, as a senior at Adrian College, he was a freshman. They were united in marriage on June 16, 1956 at State Street United Methodist Church. Betsy had a Bachelor of Arts in Education and worked as a Teacher. She was as wise as an owl and quiet and introspective. She was an avid reader and enjoyed writing poetry. Betsy also loved to make stained glass and various pottery projects. She would work on a New York Times Crossword Puzzle every day, and filled them out with a pen because she didn't make errors. Above all, Betsy loved and cherished her family. She and Jim were truly a husband and wife team. Surviving are her husband of 60 years, James A. Smith of Saginaw; one daughter and one son: Dorothy (Jerry) Jacobs of Springfield, IL and David Smith of Springfield, IL; a grandson, John Wesley Rettig and his wife, Alyse Dannenberg of Ridgecrest, CA; a great-granddaughter, Anya Rettig; two step-grandchildren: Ellen (Jason) Byers of Xenia, IL and Neil Jacobs of DeLand, IL; two step-great-grandchildren: Leah and Logan Byers; and a sister, Mary Ellen (Magnus) Sorensen of Kenosha, WI. SERVICE: A Memorial Service will take place at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 16, 2016 at the State Street United Methodist Church, 3617 Mackinaw Street. Her husband, Rev. James A. Smith will officiate. Honoring Betsy's wishes cremation has taken place. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Saturday, July 16, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the State Street United Methodist Church or Hoyt Nursing and Rehab Centre or Celebration Square Children's Zoo. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.