Elizabeth Marie (Rhodes) Smith

Elizabeth (Betty) Marie Smith (nee Rhodes) of Greenfield, Indiana, passed away March 4, 2025 at the age of 96. She was born June 16, 1928 in South Bend, Indiana, the daughter of Russell E. Rhodes and Valeria May (Johnson) Rhodes. She graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School in South Bend and matriculated at DePauw University in Greencastle. There she was swept off her feet by John H. Smith of Mishawaka, IN, also attending DePauw, whom she had previously met while both worked in laboratories at Notre Dame. They were married on January 3, 1948 in South Bend.

Betty coped gracefully with the many living situations her young family experienced as John completed his education at DePauw and Indiana University, to become a physician. In 1955, they moved to Greenfield, where he joined a practice of general medicine. Three more children were added to the ranks of the three they arrived with.

In addition to attending the needs of her growing family, Betty fully engaged with the Greenfield community. Bradley United Methodist was her church home throughout her life. There she could often be found in the kitchen, masterfully helping with funeral dinners, mother-daughter luncheons, and other celebrations. When Parkinson's limited her, she still found ways to participate, through bible study classes, book club, and watching live streams of Sunday services.

Betty was active in the Upsilon chapter of Tri Kappa, serving as president in the mid-seventies. There, too, she is remembered as a willing and pleasant worker. Family members recall the boxes full of Tri Kappa nuts, an annual fundraiser, but best of all, the donuts from the Tri Kappa booth at the 4-H fair.

In 2001 the Hancock County Council on Aging named her Volunteer of the Year for her work with Meals on Wheels. She was also a dedicated blood donor, and an election poll worker, for as long as she was able.

Betty accompanied her husband on a medical missionary trip to Ivory Coast as he delivered anesthesia equipment and training to Dr. Felix Kohol. Upon arrival, the customs inspectors were disarmed by finding her luggage well topped off with a thick layer of marshmallow Peeps, in anticipation of the children she would meet. She has remained a friend to the Kohols, now in Burkina Faso where they operate the Larry Ebert Clinic, and a friend to their daughters, Blessing, Joy, and Praise, who now study and work in Indiana.

She was known for her kindness and generosity of spirit. She wanted everyone to be happy, perhaps an impossible task, but she was always willing to set aside her own needs to try to facilitate that goal. At the same time, she had determination and persistence. Never a whiner, she fought her way back from several physical challenges in recent years; she really wanted to stay with us.

She is survived by her children: James (Kate) of Shelbyville, John (Linda) of Maxwell; Tim (Jean) of Austell, GA, Mark of Newark, OH, and Joe (Jeri) of Greenfield. She is also survived by grandchildren Molly Smith, Maggie Smith, Gabrielle Doffin Kemerly, Henry Doffin, Martin Smith, Tara Smith Davis, Marcus Smith, Kathrine Smith, Stephanie Smith, Charley Smith, and Jaye Smith; also great grandchildren Russell and Kai Smith, Brooks, Ryne, Ashlynne, and Calvin Kemerly, Julian and Zelda Pavlick, Liam Doffin, Everly and Michaela Smith, and Zeno Hoop. She will be sorely missed by her sister, Patricia Sloan, of South Bend, and Pat's family. As the sisters declined in health in recent years, daily phone calls were a tonic for them both.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John, daughter, Elizabeth (Betsy) Jane Doffin, and grandchildren Sarah Doffin and Ulrich Smith.

The family wishes to express special appreciation to the dedicated team of caregivers that helped keep her safe, healthy, and engaged in these last many years: Christy Riley, Sabrina Meredith, Mel Cotterman, and Jennifer Rickett. They went above and beyond, because they saw her essential kind character and came to love her.

Betty never wanted anyone to be hungry; in lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Hancock County Food Pantry or Meals on Wheels of Hancock County.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, 1780 West Main Street, Greenfield. An additional visitation will be on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Bradley United Methodist Church, 210 West Main Street, Greenfield, with the service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Shelbyville, IN. If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.stillingerfamily.com