Betty J. Smith

Betty J. Smith, 86, of Mt. Vernon, Iowa, passed away Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Hallmark Care Center, Mt. Vernon. Memorial Gathering: 4 p.m. Friday, September 12, 2025, at The Legacy Center at Murdoch-Linwood, Cedar Rapids.

Betty was born May 30, 1939, in Sturgis, South Dakota, the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth “Bessie” (Seda) Husak. She worked as a secretary for Grant Wood AEA, KCRG, St. Luke’s Rehab, and Board of Education. On September 4, 1987, Betty married Eugene Francis Joseph Smith in Cedar Rapids. She and Gene loved to ballroom dance and sing together in the St. Pius Church choir. “Bitty Betty” as her classmates called her, was the kindest, most generous person who was very forgiving. Her distinctive and infectious laugh could be heard at a distance. Easter egg hunts were always a hit with the grandchildren. Betty was a lay minister at St. Pius which is where she met Gene, and their love story began.

Survivors include her children, Nancy (Bob) Armstrong, Deb (Scott) Williamson, and Ron (Peggy) Turnis; stepson, Joel (Lucy) Smith; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; five step grandchildren; aunt, Helen Finn; many cousins; and her beloved cat, Penny.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Smith; parents; aunt, Emma; and cats, Missy, Muffy, Kitty, Tiger and Lunker.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Cedar Valley Humane Society or your local Humane Society.