Elizabeth Anastasio

1940 - 2025

Elizabeth Els Anastasio, born December 15, 1940, passed away on November 16, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky.

Born in Plainfield and raised in West Lafayette, Ohio, she was known during her early years as Betsy Els. She was preceded in death by her mother, Rose Helen Moorehead Els, and her brother, Jon Mathew Els.

Elizabeth was the proud mother of three sons: Lawrence Russel Smith, Gregory Kent Smith, and Matthew Allen Smith (Kathy). While raising her family, she was known as Beth Smith. The family lived in Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania before settling in Columbia, Maryland. There, Beth sang in the community choir and worked as a paralegal in Washington, D.C.

In August 1990, she remarried and became Elizabeth Anastasio. In the years that followed, she welcomed three granddaughters through Matt and Kathy: Katherine Elizabeth "Katie" Smith Walker (Brandon), Sophia Claire Smith, and Julia Lauren Smith. Beth cherished baking her mother's orange and lemon cookies for them and took joy in making Christmas a special time.

Later in life, she spent time living and working in Bonita Springs, Florida-a place she held dear-before returning to Kentucky to spend her final years among friends in Lexington.

Elizabeth had a deep love for her dogs and a passion for reading. She carried throughout her life a heartfelt wish for world peace.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.