Obituary

Bettie I. Smith, 93, of Kendallville died peacefully Monday, December 28, 2009, at 5:00 a.m. in her home.

Mrs. Smith was a 1935 graduate of Kendallville High School. She was a 1939 graduate of Ball State Teachers College, now Ball State University, where she double-majored in physical eduation and social science, and minored in biology. She returned to Kendallville High School in 1957 to teach health and physical education. While at East Noble High School, Bettie sponsored both the Girls' Athletic Association (GAA) and the cheerleading squads. Bettie taught health and physical education for 20 years, retiring in 1972. She was a member of Kappa Kappa social sorority, Indiana Teachers' Association, American Association of University Women, and Delta Kappa Gamma, honorary teacher sorority.

Always involved in community life, Bettie led a Girl Scout troop; was a member of Trinity Church United Methodist and the Esther Circle in Kendallville; a 66-year member of Noble Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star; Quest Study Club; and Sigma Beta.

She was born November 5, 1916, to Lakie and Maude (Wilson) Kizer in Kendallville. On July 16, 1940, she married her college sweetheart, Cecil C. Smith of Portland at the High Street Methodist Church, Muncie. They moved to Kendallville in 1942. Cecil, a former teacher and certified public accountant, preceded her in death on February 27, 1995.

Surviving are a daughter, Sandra (Smith) Fields of Lostine, Oregon; a brother-in-law, Howard Seidel of Kendallville; three sisters-in-law, Elaine Kizer of Garrett, Eveline Smith of Berne, and Mildred Smith of Portland; and numerous nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Ariel and Thomas Kizer; and two sisters, Dessie "Sue" Henney and Scottie Seidel.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at 2 p.m. in Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville, with Pastor G. Scott Pattison of Trinity Church United Methodist officiating. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery, Kendallville.

Calling will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Trinity Church United Methodist, Kendallville.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com