Betty Jo Smith

Betty Jo Smith, 88, passed away August 18th, 2024. She was born August 9, 1936 in Glasgow, Kentucky, to parents Jodie and Alice (Smith) Norman.

Betty Jo grew up in Glasgow Kentucky. There, she met the love of her life George “Smitty” Smith. On June 14th, 1958, they married. Betty Jo and George moved to Indianapolis, grew their family, and spent 48 wonderful years together. George passed away June 8th, 2005.

She was a hospital volunteer at Community East Hospital Information Desk for 25 years and a devoted homemaker for her family.

She was a valued member of Eastgate Christian Church and looked forward to the monthly women’s group.

Betty Jo was a vibrant, loving woman. Betty Jo took great pride in her yard, growing roses, and her garden. In the summers, Betty Jo and Smitty grew a large vegetable garden, and she and her family would spend summers picking and canning all the produce. She was a great cook and a top-notch chocolate milkshake maker! Many times, when Betty Jo would ask what she could do for someone recuperating, they would answer “how about a chocolate pie?” and of course, she would go home and whip one up that day. Betty shared her love through her food, so her family was well fed and well loved.

She was an adoring wife, mom, Nana, Great Nana, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Betty Jo is survived by Son, Joseph Smith (Ellen), of Indianapolis; Daughter, Lisa (Smith) Croft (Ken), of Indianapolis; Daughter, Katie (Smith) Lester (Trent), of Lafayette, Indiana; Grandchildren Matthew Croft, Reid Smith (Courtney), Justin Croft, Lauren Smith, all of Indianapolis, and Kirsten Johnson (Tyson), Katie Lester, and Konner Lester, of Lafayette; Great-Grandchildren Harper Jo Smith, Sophia Jane Smith, of Indianapolis; Sister Susanne Norman of Glasgow, Kentucky.

She is preceded in death by her husband George; her parents; and her sister Judy (Norman) High.

Visitation will be 4pm-8pm, Friday August 23rd, at Flanner Buchanan Washington Park East. Additional visitation will be Saturday August 24th, from 11-12pm. Her funeral will begin at 12pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Research Association.