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BORN
1941
DIED
2025
Elizabeth Hoyt Obituary
Elizabeth Ann (Smajda) Hoyt (February 6, 1941 - September 11, 2025).
The world lost a true original, an artist of both life and enterprise, with the passing of Elizabeth "Betty" Ann (Smajda) Hoyt on September 11, 2025. She was 84 years old. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, partner, friend, and entrepreneur, she brought exquisite and refined taste, a legendary sense of humor, and a tireless work ethic to everything she touched.
Born on February 6, 1941, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to George Anthony Smajda and Elizabeth Jane Smajda, Betty, as she was known to all, spent most of her early life in St. Louis, Missouri. Born one of seven siblings, Betty cherished her earliest family bonds, creating joyful memories with her siblings at the photo studio and finding sanctuary and fun with her many cousins at the family cabin. She attended De Andreis Catholic High School and graduated from Central High.
where she formed many life-long friendships. Throughout her life, she embraced her Hungarian heritage with immense pride, a legacy her children and grandchildren affectionately honored by calling her Nagy. This spirited background fueled a life lived with passion and a relentless pursuit of beauty and perfection.
Betty married Terry Sears Hoyt on July 15, 1961, in Denver. They enjoyed 64 beautiful years together, having four children and six grandchildren. Terry made Betty laugh on a daily basis, which she attributes to their long marriage. They moved many times in their early marriage following Terry's career. Betty made each new house a home and built lasting relationships in every new city.
While building a rich family life and nurturing her friendships were always Betty's top priorities, she also channeled her inherent creativity into a remarkable professional life. Her fascination with decorating and design began at the astonishing age of seven, a childhood passion that blossomed into a transformative career. After owning and operating Wood'n Duck Antiques and venturing into interior design with Elizabeth Antiques and Interiors, she pioneered a new concept in the Columbia community by founding Estate Sales and Appraisal Services (ESAS), quickly becoming known as the preeminent authority in the area. Her distinctive yellow signs were a landmark, and the phrase, "I furnished my house from ESAS," became a badge of honor for countless residents. Through ESAS, she didn't just sell antiques; she shared her profound love and knowledge of beautiful things, building a strong community of loyal patrons and friends. She was not afraid of change, adapting her business and life with grace and forward-thinking vision.
Though a perfectionist in the kitchen whose Sunday night dinners were a family highlight, she was always quick to declare that her cooking wasn't quite good enough-a charming eccentricity that her family knew and loved. Her creative spirit extended beyond business and the kitchen; she was an avid painter, crafter, and gardener, transforming canvases and flowerbeds alike with her impeccable taste.
Above all, Betty will be remembered for her unwavering support. She was her family's greatest champion, enthusiastically backing her husband, children, and grandchildren in any adventure they chose. From encouraging Terry when he decided to go to medical school in their early married life to babysitting the youngest grandchildren in her older age, she was always there for her family. Their time spent together was always memorable, defined by days of cooking and baking, fiercely competitive games of Hand & Foot and Farkel, and bursts of laughter fueled by her razor-sharp comedic timing. Outings and get-togethers with friends were also filled with good food and much joy. She was, quite simply, both incredibly fun and genuinely funny.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, both of her parents, her sisters Loretta Wilson and Olivia Edler, her daughter Jordan Elizabeth Hoyt, and her grandson, Joshua Tyler Goetz.
Betty is survived by her brother George (late wife, Maggie) Smajda, and three sisters, Pat (Bernie) Windisch, Teresa (Jim Fahrig) Lingo, and Marie (Greg Dyer) Kutryb; her children, Michael (Kimberly) Hoyt, Michelle (David) Goetz, and Jeffry (Amy) Hoyt; and five grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at the Newman Center in Columbia, Missouri at 2:00 p.m. on November 1, 2025 with a reception following at Shakespeare's Pizza South.
St. Thomas More Newman Center.
602 Turner Ave., Columbia, MO 65201.
Shakespeare's Pizza South.
3911 Peachtree Drive, Columbia, Missouri 65203.
The world lost a true original, an artist of both life and enterprise, with the passing of Elizabeth "Betty" Ann (Smajda) Hoyt on September 11, 2025. She was 84 years old. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, partner, friend, and entrepreneur, she brought exquisite and refined taste, a legendary sense of humor, and a tireless work ethic to everything she touched.
Born on February 6, 1941, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to George Anthony Smajda and Elizabeth Jane Smajda, Betty, as she was known to all, spent most of her early life in St. Louis, Missouri. Born one of seven siblings, Betty cherished her earliest family bonds, creating joyful memories with her siblings at the photo studio and finding sanctuary and fun with her many cousins at the family cabin. She attended De Andreis Catholic High School and graduated from Central High.
where she formed many life-long friendships. Throughout her life, she embraced her Hungarian heritage with immense pride, a legacy her children and grandchildren affectionately honored by calling her Nagy. This spirited background fueled a life lived with passion and a relentless pursuit of beauty and perfection.
Betty married Terry Sears Hoyt on July 15, 1961, in Denver. They enjoyed 64 beautiful years together, having four children and six grandchildren. Terry made Betty laugh on a daily basis, which she attributes to their long marriage. They moved many times in their early marriage following Terry's career. Betty made each new house a home and built lasting relationships in every new city.
While building a rich family life and nurturing her friendships were always Betty's top priorities, she also channeled her inherent creativity into a remarkable professional life. Her fascination with decorating and design began at the astonishing age of seven, a childhood passion that blossomed into a transformative career. After owning and operating Wood'n Duck Antiques and venturing into interior design with Elizabeth Antiques and Interiors, she pioneered a new concept in the Columbia community by founding Estate Sales and Appraisal Services (ESAS), quickly becoming known as the preeminent authority in the area. Her distinctive yellow signs were a landmark, and the phrase, "I furnished my house from ESAS," became a badge of honor for countless residents. Through ESAS, she didn't just sell antiques; she shared her profound love and knowledge of beautiful things, building a strong community of loyal patrons and friends. She was not afraid of change, adapting her business and life with grace and forward-thinking vision.
Though a perfectionist in the kitchen whose Sunday night dinners were a family highlight, she was always quick to declare that her cooking wasn't quite good enough-a charming eccentricity that her family knew and loved. Her creative spirit extended beyond business and the kitchen; she was an avid painter, crafter, and gardener, transforming canvases and flowerbeds alike with her impeccable taste.
Above all, Betty will be remembered for her unwavering support. She was her family's greatest champion, enthusiastically backing her husband, children, and grandchildren in any adventure they chose. From encouraging Terry when he decided to go to medical school in their early married life to babysitting the youngest grandchildren in her older age, she was always there for her family. Their time spent together was always memorable, defined by days of cooking and baking, fiercely competitive games of Hand & Foot and Farkel, and bursts of laughter fueled by her razor-sharp comedic timing. Outings and get-togethers with friends were also filled with good food and much joy. She was, quite simply, both incredibly fun and genuinely funny.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, both of her parents, her sisters Loretta Wilson and Olivia Edler, her daughter Jordan Elizabeth Hoyt, and her grandson, Joshua Tyler Goetz.
Betty is survived by her brother George (late wife, Maggie) Smajda, and three sisters, Pat (Bernie) Windisch, Teresa (Jim Fahrig) Lingo, and Marie (Greg Dyer) Kutryb; her children, Michael (Kimberly) Hoyt, Michelle (David) Goetz, and Jeffry (Amy) Hoyt; and five grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at the Newman Center in Columbia, Missouri at 2:00 p.m. on November 1, 2025 with a reception following at Shakespeare's Pizza South.
St. Thomas More Newman Center.
602 Turner Ave., Columbia, MO 65201.
Shakespeare's Pizza South.
3911 Peachtree Drive, Columbia, Missouri 65203.
Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Oct. 3, 2025.
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