Betty Jean (Gerber) Smith

Betty Jean Smith, 91, of Massillon, passed away calmly, in the comfort of her home, and with her daughters at her side, on Monday afternoon, July 8, 2024.  Born September 20, 1932, in Dalton, Ohio, a daughter to the late Sylvan and Sylvia (Price) Gerber, Betty had been an area resident her entire life.

She had worked as a cook and waitress at the former Buckeye Club in Massillon as well as at the luncheonettes at Neisner’s and Woolworth’s department stores. 

A devoted wife and a loving and supportive mom, grandma, and great-grandma, Betty placed her family at the center of her life.  She created a safe and welcoming home for her husband and her girls and filled it with laughter and happy memories.  She had a great sense of humor, and in her leisure time she applied her energy, imagination, and artistic skills to enjoy anything to do with crafts.

Predeceased by her parents; step-father, Merle Spangler; her husband, Frederick M. “Fred” Smith; sisters, Twila Gerber Johns, and Shirley Gerber Hunt; brothers, Robert and Donald Gerber; and son-in-law, Edward Rohr; Betty is survived by her daughters, Kay A. Resh and Vickie J. Rohr.  Additional survivors include her grandchildren, Stephanie (Kevin) Williams, Donovan (Jacquelyn) Resh, and Anthony Rohr; her great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Williams, and Natalie Resh; sister-in-law, Mrs. Pat Gerber; brother-in-law, Bill Hunt; and her dear friend, Ginny Pool; along with several nieces and nephews.

Honoring Betty’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  The family will receive condolences on Tuesday evening, July 16, 2024, from 7-8:00 p.m. at Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon.  A memorial service will follow at 8:00 p.m., and a private burial will take place at a later date.

The family extends their warmest thanks to the professional caregivers of Mercy Hospice, especially, Chelsi, Kaitlyn, Tina, and Angela for all their gentle help and kind assistance.

Your memories and condolences are always welcome and may be added here to Betty’s on-line guestbook.

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