Elizabeth "Betty" I. (Gries) Smith

Elizabeth I. "Betty" Smith, 92, of Metamora, IL, passed away at 12:30 am on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

She was born on December 17, 1932, in Peoria, IL, to Louis B. and Laura M. (Wernsman) Gries.  She married Marvin E. Smith on June 11, 1955 in Metamora, IL.  They were married for 50 years.  He passed away on January 27, 2006.

Surviving are her five children, Angela (Gregory) Metz of Peoria, IL, Michele (Russell) Hammond of Chester, CT, Amy (Dana) Knight of Aspen, CO, Renee (Dan) Hodge of Seymour, IN, and Matthew (Rhonda) Smith of Eureka, IL; eight grandchildren, Justine (Bryan) Mason, Ian Metz, Hannah (Tyler) Allen, Ebbie (Jimmy) Howe, Katie Hodge, Michael Hodge, Stefan Knight, and Aiden Knight; and two great-grandchildren, Sophie Mason and Brody Mason.  She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Lois Ritt.

Betty lived in Metamora all her life where she was an active member of St. Mary's parish.  At St. Mary's, she served as a Eucharistic minister, a member of the Altar & Rosary Society, assisted with RCIA and was a lector at mass for 30 years. Betty assisted her husband with his deaconate ministry particularly at Snyder Village starting in 1997 and was a Marquette honoree for service to the diocese of Peoria along with her husband in 2003.  Betty delivered food with Meals on Wheels and served as a former membership director with Catholic Women's League of Peoria.

Betty began dancing at age 2 and was a gifted dancer. She started Betty Gries School of Dance at age 16 and had dance schools in Minonk, Pontiac and Metamora. Betty choreographed musicals for MTHS and Bergen High School.

Betty graduated as salutatorian with the MTHS class of 1950. At MTHS she participated in almost every activity/club including twirling a baton as drum major with the band and acting in plays. From the fall of 1988 to 1990 she worked at Village Plantation in Northwoods Mall.

Betty enjoyed spending time with her 'wonderful' family including children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved crossword puzzles, Wheel of Fortune, Metamora football, playing bridge with her close friends, playing Scrabble at every opportunity, reading or watching mysteries and ballroom dancing at family weddings.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father David Kipfer officiating.  Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel with visitation to follow from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm.  Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mary's School, 400 West Chatham Street, Metamora, IL 61548 or to St. Mary's Church, 415 West Chatham Street, Metamora, IL 61548.  Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

St. Mary's School
400 West Chatham Street, Metamora IL 61548

St. Mary's Church
415 West Chatham Street, Metamora IL 61548