Betty E. Smith

Betty E. Smith, age 99, formerly of Horseheads, NY passed away in the company of her loving family at Chemung County Nursing Facility on Thursday, July 6, 2017. She was born at home on May 28th, 1918 in West Pittston, PA to the late Frank and Marie (Berlew) Gower. She married the late Clifford C. Smith on July 4, 1946. They were happily married for 58 years until his death on December 30, 2004. Betty was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law June and Robert Jones, sister Sarah Meucci, brother and sister-in-law Arthur and Betty Gower, and son-in-law David Potter, Jr. She is survived by her loving children; Lynda DeRigge and Jean Potter, and son and daughter-in-law Michael S. (LuAnn) Smith, grandchildren; June (Scott) Batulis, Michael (Pamela) DeRigge, David (Janice) Potter, Betsy Potter, Thomas (Peggy) Potter, Amy (Ed) Browning, Mary Lohmuller, Daniel (Barbra) Smith, Susan (Daniel) O’Connell, along with 16 great-grandchildren, 5 step great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and 4 step great-great grandchildren. In addition, she is also survived by 11 nieces and nephews. Betty worked at Norden Bombsight Plant during WWII. She was an expert dressmaker and tailor and owned her own home sewing business for many years. She also taught dressmaking and tailoring in the Adult Education classes and then retired from Seneca Beverage as an office manager in 1983. Following her retirement, she worked part-time at Community Nursing until the age of 81. Betty also volunteered at the Steele Memorial Library, RSVP, and local hospitals. She was also a member of the Centenary Methodist Church and Breesport Baptist Church. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 15th, 2017 from 1 PM-4 PM with a funeral service to immediately follow at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY 14904. Father John DeSocio will officiate. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Betty’s family would like to express their deep gratitude to the 4th floor caregivers at the Chemung County Nursing Facility for their exceptional kindness and care given to Betty over the last 6 years and especially for their outstanding efforts over the last 7 days of Betty’s life.