Betsy Jean (Wendle) Smith

Betsy Jean Wendle Smith, 91, of Metamora, IL, peacefully passed away at 10:19 am on Thursday, March 31, 2022. She was born on May 25, 1930, in Greensburg, PA, to Grover C. and Mildred F. (Barr) Wendle. She married Edward Dodd Smith I on January 26, 1946, in Daytona Beach, FL. Betsy and Ed celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary in January.

Surviving are her husband, Ed; daughter, Elisa C. (Craig) Wiedeman of Flagstaff, AZ; son, Edward Dodd II (Julie L.) Smith of Metamora; daughter, Cathy L. Rievers of Mattoon, IL; thirteen grandchildren; and twenty-six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Karen Sue Diebel and brothers, Raymond E. and John D. “Duke” Wendle.

Betsy served for 25 years as a leader and Neighborhood Chair for the Girl Scouts of America. She also served as the President, Black Partridge Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Over the years, Ed and Betsy enjoyed being members of Grace Presbyterian Church, Peoria; Christian Union Church, Metamora; and Faith Evangelical Free Church, Metamora. Betsy taught Vacation Bible School and sang in the church choir. Betsy was a homemaker and worked at the Metamora Grade School. She and Ed also served as docents at the Mennonite Heritage Center in Metamora.

Betsy loved cooking and gardening and she was an expert seamstress. She loved researching family genealogy and traveling with Ed. The couple’s adventures spanned the U.S. and Canada. Betsy hosted years of gatherings with friends and family. Her gift of hospitality ensured that everyone felt welcome in the couple’s home.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel. A family graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at Oakwood Cemetery in Metamora with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00 am on Wednesday at Christian Union Church with Reverend Gary Salm officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Girl Scouts of America, Central Illinois Local, 1103 West Lake Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614. Online condolences and images can be viewed at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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