Bettie Smith "Toots"

Bettie Elaine Smith, lovingly known as "Toots," passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, at the age of 84. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, whose vibrant spirit and kind heart touched everyone who knew her.

Born on January 31, 1941, Bettie lived a life filled with love, laughter, and simple joys. She cherished long walks, floating in the ocean, and spending precious time with her children and grandchildren. Christmastime was her favorite season, when her beautifully decorated home welcomed family with warmth and joy. Her love for animals led her to care for countless stray cats and dogs over the years, and she found quiet happiness in the calming act of coloring.

Peanut butter was her favorite treat—you could often find her with a jar and a spoon, perfectly content. She also loved blueberries and enjoyed eating healthy, always mindful of what made her feel good and vibrant. Bettie had a sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humor, always ready with a silly face or spontaneous joke to make someone smile. She was a compassionate person with a big heart. She found peace in nature, joy in laughter, and purpose in putting her family first-especially the children, who held a special place in her heart. She loved watching her children and grandchildren play sports and was their most enthusiastic and loyal cheerleader. In the kitchen, she was a masterful cook who rarely needed a recipe, cooking from the heart every time.

In her later years, Bettie battled dementia with grace, a sense of humor, good spirits, and silly conversations. She was a fighter until the very end.

Bettie is survived by her five loving daughters: JoAnn (Bill) Erby, Elaine (Terry) Huddleston, Kathleen Cooley, close family friend Willy Yahuarcani, Linda (Rick) Hutchins, and Melissa (Rhett) Bell; her dear brother Charles Baumgardner; and her cherished grandchildren: Aushinae, Joshua, Jared, Anthony, Krystal, Matthew, Thomas, Andrea, Ricky, Lauren, Garett, Christopher, Daniel, Heather, and Paul. She also leaves behind many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Charles and Gwendolyn Baumgardner; her husbands, Eugene "Gene" Smith and Andrew "Barney" Ruemping; her son, James "Jimmy" Smith; and her siblings, Carlene Dodge, Edward Baumgardner, and Robert Baumgardner.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Bettie's honor on April 26, 2025, at the Erby household from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. All are welcome to come and celebrate her beautiful life.

Bettie's legacy lives on through the love she gave, the memories she created, and the joy she brought to so many. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.