Betty J. Smith

Betty Oberklaus Smith (nee Curry) Died on May 5, 2020. Born Betty Jane Curry on Nov 21, 1924. Sliced bread was not invented until 1928. Betty outlived almost everyone she ever knew. She was the daughter of the late Frank B. and Dorothy M. Curry. She was the baby sister to 4 brothers, William, Richard, Irvin and Herman, as well as 2 sisters, Dottie and Geraldine; all of whom preceded her in death. Although not without its challenges, Betty lived a long and full life. Shortly after WWII, she met the love of her life, Charles Oberklaus. He had just returned from service. She said that when they met it was “Bam”, love at first sight. Not surprisingly their dating led to marriage. It was a spur of the moment marriage. Charlie picked her up from her job at Pogue’s Department Store in downtown Cincinnati, took her “Lunch” at the Campbell County Courthouse, just across the river in his home state of Kentucky. They got married right then and there. She doesn’t remember what she had for lunch that day nor, what her father said when, days later, she finally told him. She only remembers that “Daddy was so mad”. Naturally, all was soon forgiven. Shortly thereafter, the birthing miracle ensued, 6 perfect children were born: Charlene (Joe) Stiles, Sandy (Steve) Jenner, Douglas (Jan Houston), Bradley (Debbie), Susan (Matt) Elliott, and Nancy Helbling.
In addition to her children she is survived by her grandchildren, Christy Stiles and Scott (Sara) Stiles, Erica (Dave) Ford, , Michelle Walworth, Brad Oberklaus II, Curry (Cara) Oberklaus, Tyler, Nicholas and Bailey Elliott, Alexander and Noah Helbling, Stephani Ingles, Staci (Chad) Heiden, Susan (Dan) Jacobs, 22 great grandchildren and 4 great, great grandchildren. Unless, we mis-counted.
Betty not only outlived her first husband, but she outlived her second, Frank Smith, as well. Frank had 4 children from a previous marriage, Loretta (Stan) Flerlage, John (Vonda), Terre (Emil) Giglio and Anita (Keith) Howcroft.
Betty was known for her warmth and good humor. If she was in the room, laughter was guaranteed to be there too. Although she had traveled to a number of places throughout the world, her greatest traveling joy came from camping trips with her family or friends. Even if it was only for a weekend or a few days, camping was always a treat. Any park would do, as longas they had facilities. At times, sometimes unexpectedly, her wicked sense of fashion and her willingness to share her opinion about yours, could be quite unnerving.
Betty loved to play cards, read, assemble puzzles, complete the Cryptoquip, and other word games. 95 years is a very long time. To get a sense of how long she lived, her Grandfather served at Gettysburg, in the Civil War.

Her departure was perfect, just like she secretly planned it. All of her children and many of her
grandchildren got the privilege to share her final days and moments with her. She was ready for
her ride in the limousine and was anxious for her party to begin.
Due to current conditions, private services have been held. Sometime in the future we will have
a party and celebration of her life. Remembrances can be sent to The Special Olympics, The
American Heart Association or The American Diabetes Association.