Edith Matilda (Betts) Smith, 96, passed away peacefully at home on June 21, 2026. Edith was born on October 29, 1929, in Wausaukee, to James and Matilda (Barker) Betts.
Edith grew up in Silver Cliff and graduated from Wausaukee High School in 1947. She married the love of her life, Paul N. Smith, on November 8, 1947, and was married for 68 years. Together they farmed, worked in surveying and real estate, and later founded McCaslin Mountain Campground. Edith enjoyed the many years she was busy in the community, serving on the rescue squad and attending the weekly card parties at the town hall with her neighbors. She was an avid hunter and enjoyed her trips out west. Edith also enjoyed gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with her family.
Her faith in Jesus Christ was central to her life, and she shared that faith in gentle, consistent ways. She attended Northwoods Bible Fellowship in Lakewood and loved to worship with the other believers there. Though Edith was quiet by nature, her life clearly reflected the saving grace of God.
She is survived by her siblings, Dan (Anne) Betts and Helen O'Bryon; sister-in-law Patricia Betts; and brother-in-law Dan Miller. She is also survived by her children, Michael (Barb) Smith, Jeanne Monahan, Thomas (Elizabeth) Smith, Crystal (Jeff) Schaal, and Susan (Jason) Gillette; 27 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul N. Smith; son, Paul E. Smith; daughter-in-law, Debora Smith; son-in-law, Michael Monahan; grandson, Steven Smith; siblings, James Betts and Eva (Betts) Miller; brother-in-law, Ron O'Bryon; and sister-in-law, Carol (Stockwell) Betts.
Edith will be remembered for her steadfast faith, strong work ethic, love of family, and the kindness she showed to neighbors and friends throughout her life.
Services will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Northwoods Bible Fellowship in Lakewood, Wisconsin, with Pastor Scott VanLaanen officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the church beginning at 1:00 p.m. A graveside service at Lakewood Forest Cemetery will immediately follow the funeral service. A luncheon and time of fellowship will then be held at Northwoods Bible Fellowship.
