Bette Raye Smith

Bette Raye (Heisler) Smith, born November 17, 1943, in Hamilton, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on July 16, 2026. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald E. Smith, her son, Dale K. Smith, and her parents, Sue Marie (Riley) Heisler and Grant Heisler.

Loving mother of DeAnn Burgess (Dicky) and Beth DeVille (Dan); devoted grandmother of Heather Burgess, Shelby Burgess, Nathan DeVille (Anna), Nicole Klesta (Landon) and Austin Burgess; cherished great grandmother of Eleanor DeVille and Maverick Klesta.

Bette graduated from Lincoln High School (Canton, OH) class of 1961, worked for the US Postal Service while attending Stark Technical College earning a Medical Record Technology degree, then a bachelor’s degree from Hillsdale College.

She dedicated her career to the medical records field, serving with the Ohio Department of Cancer Registry, where her compassion and professionalism touched countless lives throughout her years of service.

A woman of deep faith, Bette was active in the Obetz and the Trinity United Methodist Churches, she served as President of United Methodist Women, led Laity Sunday, sang in the choir, played handbells, participated in the Wesleyan Circle, and organized worship services at Meadow Falls assisted living facility. She was deeply involved in the Walk to Emmaus ministry, where she found lasting fellowship and spiritual renewal.

Her devotion to God and her community was steadfast and inspiring

Bette will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and unwavering faith — a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend whose legacy of grace and service will live on in all who knew her.

Family will receive friends on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Arnold Funeral Home, 1517 Market Ave North, Canton, OH 44714 from 11 am – 12 pm where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and rejoice in the promise of eternal life. Funeral services will follow at 12 pm. Burial services will follow at Sunset Hills Memorial Gardens,7920 Frank Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720

In lieu of flowers, the family requests your direct donations to your local Humane Society in her memory, continuing Bette’s legacy of compassion and service.