Betty Anne Wright Smith

Smith Betty Anne Wright Smith, age 90, of Powell, OH, died Tuesday, March 26, 2013. Betty was a long term resident of the greater Toledo area and most recently lived in the Columbus area close to her children and grandchildren. Betty was the daughter of the late Edward Brockbank Wright and Bessie Mills Wright. Her ancestors settled in the Toledo area in the early 1800's, her grandfather served as a Lucas County Commissioner, and her family founded Wright Brothers Greenhouses. Betty was a graduate of Devilbiss High School. She received her Bachelor of Education and Master of Education degrees from the University of Toledo where she was a member of Psi Chi Phi Sorority. While at the University of Toledo, Betty met her beloved husband, Lloyd W. Smith. Betty committed her career with Toledo Public Schools to teach special needs children. An active member of Covenant United Presbyterian Church, Betty served as a Deacon, Elder and a Sunday School Superintendent. She later became a member of Christ Presbyterian Church. Betty was also active in several organizations, including PEO, the University Women's Club and the University of Toledo Alumni Association. As an active volunteer, Betty dedicated her time to decorating holiday rooms and serving as a docent at Wildwood Manor House. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels while in her 80's. Always with an eye for detail, Betty crafted beautiful hand-made porcelain dolls. After retiring from teaching, she used her love of travel to organize and lead trips for the Toledo Vagabonds. Betty is preceded in death by her husband Lloyd W. Smith and brothers Edward B. Wright, II (Virginia) and Dr. John "Jack" Wright (Madelyn). She is survived by her children, Diana "Dee" Thudium (Carl), Jeff Smith (Donna), Debra Smith and Gary Smith (Lisa); seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A Remembrance Celebration of Betty will be held SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2013 from 1-4 p.m. at the Farmhouse at Wildwood Metropark on West Central Avenue, Toledo, Ohio. Family and friends are invited to join in sharing memories, pictures and stories of Betty, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher and friend. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to: The Ability Center of Greater Toledo (www.abilitycenter.org); the Greater Toledo Metroparks (for Wildwood Preserve), (www.metroparkstoledo.com.); University of Toledo College of Education, (www.utoledo.edu/foundation/); or Christ Presbyterian Church, (www.cpctoledo.org.). The Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell, 450 W. Olentangy St., Powell, OH 43065. (614)-792-1471 assisted the Smith family. Please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com to send condolences to Betty's family.