Beverly Lee "Bev" (Ertle) Smith

Beverly L. Smith, 76, of Massillon, passed away quietly, with her husband and family at her side, Monday morning, September 18, 2023. Born in Massillon, September 23, 1946, a daughter to the late Emmett G. and Ethel Mae (Shanklin) Ertle, Bev graduated from Washington High School with the Class of 1964. She received her undergraduate degree from Kent State University and her Master’s of Education from Ashland University. Her professional career of more than 30 dedicated years was spent as a first-grade teacher with Massillon City Schools, at Gorrell, Whittier and York Elementary Schools. Bev was also a devoted wife and a loving and supportive mom, grandma, and great-grandma. She placed her husband and family and her students at the center of her life. But it was never a matter of dividing her time. She chose instead to multiply it!  In her leisure time, she loved traveling and camping and liked to sew. A faithful member of Church of the Lakes United Methodist Church, Bev also enjoyed keeping in touch with her former classmates and colleagues through membership in the Stark County Retired Teachers Association, Ohio Retired Teachers Association and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. 

Predeceased by her parents; Bev is survived by her husband of 53 years, Gary L. Smith, and their children, Keith (Dana) Smith, of Coshocton, Amy (Alan) Schiaffino, of Arlington, Virginia, and Juli (Chuck) Roberts, of Jackson Township; and grandchildren, Kelsey Cox, Aaron Smith, Shelby Roberts, Nathan Smith, Alexander Schiaffino, Sydney and Charles Roberts, Jack and Elizabeth Schiaffino, and Ian Roberts. Also surviving are ten great-grandchildren – with another on the way; her brother, Ronald “Ronnie” (Jane) Ertle, of Massillon, and numerous beloved nieces. 

Funeral services will be conducted at noon, Friday, September 22, 2023, at Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon. The family will receive condolences one hour prior to the service, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Rev. Dave Andrews will officiate, and a private burial will follow. The family has suggested memorial contributions made to either The American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Association. Your memories and condolences are always welcome and may be added to Bev’s on-line guestbook.

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