Betty Jane Smith "Boots" took her last ride surrounded by her loving family, on January 7, 2024, at the age of 102. She was born on 10/26/21, in Tacoma, WA to Edwin and Clara Erickson. Betty grew up in Tacoma and graduated from Stadium High School in 1940. Betty was involved in many clubs and organizations including being a sharpshooter on the Rifle Team. Betty went on to further her education at WSU. She traveled to many states working in sales, one being selling Lenox China for her brother Erling Erickson. Betty settled into a clerk job in Tacoma, WA working for Oil Sales and Service where she met Glyn Smith.

Betty married Glyn in 1960 and they raised 3 amazing boys together in Fife Heights. They lived a wonderful and happy life together, dancing, traveling, and going on many trail rides where Betty would ride her favorite horse Thorn while Glyn was the camp cook.  They loved the great outdoors and spent many weekends and much of their spare time with the Jacob's family at Redondo Beach, Uncle Bills place at Deschutes Falls, the Ericksons at Pine Lake, and the Whites family at American Lake.

Betty joined the Tacoma Lariettes, an Equestrian Precision Drill Team (Glyn was still the camp cook). Riding horses was her passion and when Thorn passed away Betty got a new young horse, Romeo.  She took a fall off Romeo at age 76. Due to her injury, she was forced to stop riding. Betty was an active rider for over 30 years and was awarded a life member of the Lariettes in 2001.

Betty owned her own business "Betty Smith Sales" selling Scandinavian imports in Seattle, WA. (Glyn was the accountant) They moved to Tacoma in 1992 into a beautiful home with 5 acres where Betty would love to watch her horses run through the back yard as she was looking out the window yelling out "Whoop! Whoop!" to get them excited and kick up their heels. (Glyn was still the cook) They owned several Weimaraner's over the years and numerous barn cats which ended up inside.  Betty eventually sold her business and retired. Betty and Glyn loved spending time with the Boys and their families, dinners, holidays, birthdays, special occasions and any occasion to be together.

Betty began a new chapter in her life after Glyn passed away. She met her companion of 24 years Bob Newgard in 1999 and lived a wonderful life with Bob, traveling all over the world on cruise ships and joining him with his passion of old cars, The Model A Club, fancy dinners, cards games, Bingo and his children. Betty opened her heart to Bobs family and loved spending time with them as if they were her own. Betty and Bob moved to Puyallup into a senior living community where they met a lot of new friends and played Poker, Mexican Train, Bingo and were involved in other activities that the community had available.

Betty looked forward to her Lariett luncheons, hanging with the Golden Girls and being with family and friends. She continued to attend her HS Reunions and loved to gamble. She had a competitive streak and always took our money. Haha, it was dimes, but still!  She had a huge heart and loved everyone. She never judged. Most of all Betty had a huge love for any kind of animal on this earth. She adored animals, always rescuing some miniature creature that needed a warm heart including spiders.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Brother Erling Erickson (Thelma), sister Maxine Johnson, husband John Glyn Smith, Son Greg Smith and nephew Eric Erickson.

Betty is survived by her companion, Bob Newgard, her sons- Brad (Shelley) and Scott (Gina). Grandchildren, Brandon (Angie), Ashley (Andrew), Scottie and Hunter.  Great grandchildren, Emily, Haley, Jade, Mackenzie and Tucker, great, great grandchild, Estella and many cousins, nieces and nephews. The Newgard family Deborah (Richard), Robert (Kathy), Barb (Eric), Diane (Rob) and their grandchildren, nieces and nephew.

Betty filled everyone's life with her infectious laugh and her huge heart. We will miss her deeply. Betty has been laid to rest at the New Tacoma Cemetery. We love you to the moon and back!

Please join us for Services on Saturday, January 27th, 2024, at 11am at Faith Family Church 1702 Milton Way, Milton, WA 98354 ph. (253) 922-7773. Celebration of Life immediately follows.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Betty's memory to Sunny Skys Dog and Cat Rescue 4227 South Meridian D335, Puyallup WA 98373 (253)845-8866 or Hooved Animal Rescue of Thurston County, PO Box 711 East Olympia, WA 98540 (360)701-2007.