Betty Smith

Betty Lou Smith, 85, passed away Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, at her home in Greenfield.

Betty Lou Smith was born May 7, 1935, the daughter of Lyle and Ruth (Kneller) Van Eaton near Richland.

Betty attended grade and high school in Richland and graduated in 1953. In July of 1955, she was united in marriage to Jim Smith. To this union two sons were born: Dan in 1955 and David in 1960.

After their marriage, Betty worked at the Orient locker and then at Place’s Department Store in Greenfield. She then began a career of childcare in their home for over 40 years. She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Dan, Sept. 2, 1986, from a motorcycle accident in Montrose, Colorado; brother, Burton Van Eaton; brother-in-law, Keith Nielsen.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Smith of Greenfield; son, David Smith of Greenfield; sister, Patty Nielsen of Kansas City, Kansas; many nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.

Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, at Greenfield Cemetery. Pastor Melinda Stonebraker officiated the service. The Steen Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.steenfunerals.com.