Betty Ann Smith, the daughter of Albert and Elenor Speck was born on April 10,1937 in Ringsted, Iowa. She grew up in Graettinger, Iowa on a farm—graduating from Graettinger High School in 1955. Following high school, Betty attended Mankato Commercial College for a year to become a bank teller- then became a Bank teller at Clay County Bank.
On August 10, 1958- Betty married David Smith at the First Congregational Church in Spencer, Iowa. After they were married, the two of them lived in Spencer then Hartley, Iowa where they had both of their children, Darrin and Kevin. She worked at Browns Manufacturing (Brown Medical) for the majority of her work career and then Stylecraft up until she retired- before moving to Spirit Lake to be on the lake, then returning to Spencer briefly before her final home in Estherville Iowa at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home.
Betty had many things she loved to do including knitting, crocheting, bowling league, dancing, skating, going for walks- but most importantly she loved to spend time with her family-especially grandkids- and her friends. She also spent a lot of time making DVDs and taking and collecting pictures. Some of Betty’s most treasured memories are going to Branson, MO to watch Daniel O’Donnell with David and friends. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society.
Betty passed away peacefully with St. Croix Hospice services at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Estherville Iowa on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband David Smith.
Left to cherish her memories are her two sons: Darrin and his wife, Christy of Estherville, IA and Kevin and his wife, Pamela of Columbia, MO; 6 grandchildren: Jessica (Dustin), Jay (Kaitlin), Jonah (Josi), Erika, Cooper (Reagan) and Benton; great granddaughter Janessa; and great grandsons Beau and Lennox; her sister: Joanna (Clayton) Mingus and other relatives and friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreInformation and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more