Betty J. Smith

Elizabeth J. “Betty” Smith, 85, of Highland, IL, formerly of St. Peters, MO, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024, at San Gabriel Memory Care in Highland, IL.

She was born on March 30, 1938, in St. Louis, MO, to Francis and Elizabeth “Bessie” (nee Braizer) Mueller. Betty was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in St. Peters, MO, before moving to Highland four years ago and started attending St. Paul Catholic Church.

Betty grew up in the St. Louis, MO, area and graduated from Incarnate Word Academy in Normandy, MO, in 1956. She was a stay-at-home mom for the most part but had several jobs throughout her life including being an office manager/secretary at Emmaus Homes in St. Charles, MO, and working 20 years as a retail clerk at Macy’s.

She liked volunteering at the St. Charles County Public Library, playing pickleball at the St. Peters Rec Plex, and was an avid tennis player. Betty was a skilled seamstress, enjoyed playing cards with her friends, and taking daily walks.

A family woman, Betty adored her children, grandchildren, and great grandson. She was sweet, but also sassy, often being referred to as “Betty Boop”. Thoughtful and caring, Betty loved helping others and will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Bessie Mueller; husband, Raymond Smith Jr.; sisters, Mary Lou Mueller, and Gail Tirinato.

Betty is survived by her children, Raymond (Colleen) Smith III, of Springfield, MO, Michael (significant other, Cheryl Wilkinson) Smith, of Cottleville, MO, Debra (Alan) Drury (nee Smith), of Highland, IL, and Steven Smith, of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Kara (Rylin) Smith-Chavez, Emma (Ivan) Gonzalez, and Payton (fiancé, Simon Childerson) Drury; and great grandson, Mateo Gonzalez.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

In accordance with her wishes, Betty has donated her body to SLU’s Center for Anatomical Science and Education.

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL