Elizabeth "Betty" M. Smith

Elizabeth "Betty" M. Smith (Beal), 82, of Portage Lakes, passed away on June 29, 2026. She was born August 9, 1943, in Barberton, OH, the daughter of the late Russell W. and Catherine M. (Fowlds) Beal.

A 1961 graduate of Springfield High School, Betty spent most of her youth as a competition roller skater at Springfield Lake Roller Rink, where she met, and later married the love of her life, Ernest “Stan” Smith, Jr. As a devoted mother of three children, she was the heart of her family; the steady foundation they leaned on through every season of life. Her unwavering strength, endless wisdom, and unconditional love shaped not only their lives but the generations that followed, leaving a legacy of compassion and resilience.

She retired from Kaase’s Bakery (Acme), with over 30 years of dedicated service as a cake decorator and a proud Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Union member.

Betty was proud of her Scottish ancestry. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and crafting, often displaying her many talents at Coventry High School’s annual craft show. In recent years, she enjoyed attending events with her Red Hat Sisters, and loved joining her closest friends for monthly luncheons and afternoon card parties.

To know Betty was to love her. She was kind, caring, and the door to her home was open to anyone in need of a family for the holidays. She was and always will be lovingly called “Mom” by so many of her children’s friends. Throughout her dementia journey, even on the toughest of days, the staff of her memory care unit saw her for the incredibly beautiful soul she was. One who left an unforgettable mark on every heart she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved husband, Stan.

Betty is survived by her loving family; children, Steve (Melanie) Smith, Carrie Combs, and Heather (Kevin) Powell; grandchildren, Caitlin, Nick, Taylor, Spencer, Noah, and Willow; great-grandchildren, Jayla, Kenneth, Kamden, Alekhi, Victoria, and Theo; and many other relatives and beloved friends.

Visitation will be held from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Wednesday, July 8th at Newcomer Funeral Home (131 N. Canton Rd., Akron) where services will be held at 1:00pm with Pastor Steven Neumeyer officiating.

Interment will be held at Rose Hill Burial Park.

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