Barbara Ann Smith
June 11, 1927 ~ July 27, 2016 (age 89) 89 Years OldShare using:
Barbara Ann Becht Smith, beloved wife of Elvin passed away July-27-2016 in her home. She was 89. The daughter of Dr. Frank C. Becht and Ruby Cumming Becht, she was born in Riverside, Illinois, on June 11, 1927. Elvin Smith preceded her in death. Barbara is survived by daughter Gerry (Terry) Burklow, of Canon City, CO, and sons Gary (Jean) of Lake City, MI, Gregg (Dianne) of Simpsonville, SC, and Jeffrey (David) of Lafayette, IN and grandchildren Meaghan (Erick) Nyingi, Aaron (Sloane) Burklow, Sara (Dan) Gale, Jennifer Smith, and Heather Smith, and 5 great grandchildren. Sister Becky and brothers Arno and Gordon preceded her in death.
Barbara was an avid quilter. Quilts she made for all her children and grandchildren will be treasured for generations to come. She was also a voracious reader and lover of animals, especially dogs. Her rescue dog, Ginger, passed away at her feet in May, 2016.
Mrs. Smith graduated from Knox College in 1949. While raising her four children she achieved a degree in Education from Purdue University’s North Central Campus. She taught for 20 years at various schools in Valparaiso, IN, including Flint Lake and Parkview Elementary Schools. She and her husband moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan upon retirement in 1988 and then to Canon City, CO, in 2002 to be near their daughter. Private services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arkansas River Dog Park via the Canon City Area Recreation and Park District or the Humane Society of Fremont County. Arrangements entrusted to Harwood Funeral Home. Online condolences at Harwoodfunerals.com