Betty Smith

Elizabeth Marie “Betty” Smith, 89, of Canton, passed away Monday, January 18, 2016, in Peoria.
Betty was born the youngest of eight children on January 27, 1926 in Canton, to Lorenzo and Theresa (Rubeo) Bertetto.
Betty attended Canton High School, graduating in 1944.  She married Dale Robert Smith on November 16, 1945 in Lewiston.
The couple had three children, Sandra,  Patricia, and Michael.  Her surviving children remember her as a strong, charismatic woman and a loving, supportive mother and grandmother who was the matriarch of the family.
Betty had a passion for collecting. Her collection of salt and pepper shakers is one of the largest in the area with over 10,000 pairs, in addition to several hundred cookie jars, and Fiestaware in all of the colors of the rainbow.  One of her most prized possessions was a pair of salt and pepper shakers given to her by President Barack Obama. Betty was active in politics. She could often be found hitting the campaign trail in support of her beloved son, and former Illinois State Representative, Mike Smith. She formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Canton YWCA. She was a member of the Fulton Country League of Democratic Women, serving in various capacities, including president.  Betty was also a dedicated member of the Graham Hospital Service League where she was recognized for her work as Chairwoman of the puppet committee responsible for making puppets to distribute to the children admitted to the hospital.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Smith; her son, Michael Smith; her parents, Lorenzo and Theresa Bertetto; her two sisters, Margret Walker and Dominca Lancaster; and five brothers, Joseph Bertetto, Dominic Bertetto, Peter Bertetto, Charles Bertetto, and John Bertetto. She is survived by her children, Sandra (Leon) Schuman of Chillicothe, IL and Patricia Fowler of Peoria, IL; daughter-in-law, Donna Smith of Canton, IL; sister-in-law, Harriett Bertetto; four grandchildren, Greg Schuman, Amy Tiff, Angela (Tim) Burke, and Natalie Fowler, five great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
Betty will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and caring friend.
Visitation will be on Friday, January, 29, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Oaks Hines Funeral Home in Canton, IL. A funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January, 30, 2016 at Oaks Hines Funeral Home..  In lieu of flowers, we ask that you take a moment to hug your loved ones because family meant the world to Betty.  Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Mike Smith Scholarship fund C/O Mid America Bank.
To view Betty’s memorial tribute or to leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.