Betty Smith

Juanita “Betty” Smith built her life around hard work, family and her faith in the Lord. She tried to bring the best out of each of her loved ones, leading them by example in matters of faith, devotion and integrity. Underneath her wonderful sense of humor and modesty was a reservoir of strength which her family came to depend on. Always thinking of others before herself, Betty was both blessed by and a blessing to those she loved.

The 1920s were a decade of plenty in the United States. The younger generations began to see the world in a new light, and fancy cars and flapper parties dominated the upbeat lifestyle of the American jet-set. Michael and Maxine (Leutwin) Dennany were far removed from these things that characterized the 1920s. They lived a modest life in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where Michael earned a living working at Allied Paper while Maxine cared for their home. On November 11, 1923, the couple delighted in the birth of their first child, a daughter they named Waneeta. The spelling was later changed to the more familiar Juanita. The Dennany home at 136 Millview Avenue would eventually ring with the joy and laughter of seven children.

Betty, as she was called, was an excellent student throughout her academic career at St. Joseph Catholic School. As a teenager, she enjoyed going to the movies, and worked to earn extra money at the local A&W root beer stand. Betty was in her late teens when she met a handsome young man named Orva Smith. The two fell hopelessly in love and were married several years later. As was common in the war years, they were married on an Army base on November 28, 1942 where Orva was stationed. After an honorable discharge for medical reasons, it wasn’t long before the newlyweds were preparing for their own family with the arrival of their first child, daughter Sharon in 1944. She was soon joined in the Smith household by five siblings: Ron (1946), Garry (1948), Mike (1952), Dan (1954) and Pat (1957).

Orva worked hard to support his large family doing siding, insulation and roofing jobs for Battle Creek Roofing Co. while Betty tended to the needs of the family. Since Orva had a healthy appetite, Betty learned to cook really well, especially when it came to her cinnamon buns, coffee cake and French bread all made from scratch, and her delicious Swiss steak. With a crochet needle in hand and balls of yarn at her feet, Betty made doilies, table cloths and other items. To this day, there is not a child or grandchild of hers that does not have a beautiful crocheted afghan that is always close at hand. .She had a Singer sewing machine and made school clothes for her kids and special Halloween costumes. Although money was always tight with a big family, Betty found a way to make Christmas extra special every year for her children, something they treasure to this day.

As a couple, they loved to be surrounded by their family, and perhaps reminisce about the good old days. Betty was always in her glory when her grandchildren were around; she loved them all dearly. Sadly, Betty lost her beloved husband Orva in 1988, after a brain aneurysm. During his illness, she was a devoted caregiver to him, and vigilantly at his side.

When it came to her leisure time, Betty enjoyed traveling to visit family, some that had moved away quite far. Her travels took her to Florida, Georgia, Seattle and even Germany. Most of all though Betty enjoyed reading a good book, especially murder mysteries or Steven King novels, or watching the Alfred Hitchcock TV show. Betty was a big fan of shows and plays, but when it came to TV, she couldn’t take her eyes off of Chuck Norris; she loved him and even dreamed of meeting him one day. For her listening pleasure, Betty turned on some classical music or country music of the 30s and 40s. Later in life, she enjoyed going out to eat, while some of her favorite foods included soup and chocolate. Throughout her life, Betty was a devout Catholic and attended Mass at the St. Joseph and St. Monica Catholic Churches.

Even though Betty was a traditional Mom and a wonderful homemaker, she did work at various places to help supplement the family income. These include working for the Shakespeare Company, the Kalamazoo Gazette and Van Bochove Flowers.

Betty was the matriarch of her family, the woman everyone looked to for inspiration, knowledge and support. She was there for any of her loved ones at any time, not because she had to be, but because she wanted to share fully in their lives. She will be deeply missed.

Juanita “Betty” Smith died on Thursday, August 9, 2007, in Kalamazoo, MI. Learn more about Betty, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends on Saturday, August 11, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 12, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler in Kalamazoo (375-2900), where the rosary will be recited on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 13, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial in Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Orva Smith; four siblings: an infant brother, and Michael, Robert and Danny Dennany; four grandchildren: William Jr., Leann, Dianne and Richard; and a great grandson. Members of her family include six children: Sharon (Bill) Ford of Kalamazoo, Ron (Jeri) Smith of Kalamazoo, Garry Smith of Parchment, Mike (Anna) Smith of Garden City, Dan Smith of Detroit and Pat (Tim) Wheeler of Colorado Springs, CO; twenty-one grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, a great great granddaughter; two siblings: Dave (Marilyn) Dennany and Lola-Rita Agner, all of Kalamazoo; and many nieces and nephews. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo of Betty or sign her online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.