Betty Mae Smith, 97, of Grinnell, IA, passed away June 16, 2023, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell.

A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be designated to Boys Town or Second Chance Dog Rescue of Iowa in c/o of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.

Betty was born on July 27, 1925, to Melvin and Clara (Thornes) Burge in Gary, Indiana. She graduated from Dunbar High School with the class of 1943.

Betty was known for how hard she worked. She always had two jobs, and over the years she has worked for Maytag, Newton Inn, Mid Town, Terrace Inn, and Cozad's Dry Cleaning.

She enjoyed traveling with George, especially to Hawaii, and Las Vegas, she loved her dogs, Nikki, and Molly, her Betty Boop collection, watching and shopping on the QVC channel, bowling and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Patrick (Sherie) Sisson; her grandchildren, Todd (Stacy) Sisson, Shad (Heather) Sisson, Brandi (Marvin) Washington, Ryan (Katie) Sisson, and Nikki (Mitchell Barthelman) Sisson; her great grandchildren, Brett (Morgan) Sisson, Austin Sisson, Kyler (Bailey) Sisson, Rhiannon (Michael) Stout, Jerred Miller Jr., Jacey Sisson, Lana Sisson, Gracie Sisson and Lila Sisson; great-great grandchildren, Jaylynn, Paislee, Legend and Kingzlee.

She is predeceased by her parents; her son, Norman Jay Sisson; and George Smith.