Betty Faye Smith, 77, of Pekin, passed away at 3:14 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born March 16, 1948 in Glasgow, Kentucky to Alvin “Alvie” and Katie B. (Harper) Deckard. Betty graduated from Glasgow High School.
Betty married Michael E. “Mike” Smith on June 15, 1967 in Celina, Tennessee. He survives.
Also surviving are one son, Shannon (Kelly Fults) Smith of Pekin; one daughter, Kristi (William “Willie”) Knott of Glasford; six grandchildren, Sheena (Dustin Fay) Regguinti of Pekin, Adam (Breanna) Regguinti of Washington, Emily (Alex Gutierrez) Regguinti of Peoria, Joey (Mikayla) Knott of Hanna City, Sarah (Lance Little) Knott of Canton, and Jeremy (Rachel) Knott of Banner; ten great-grandchildren, Quintin, Liam, Luna, Oakley, Gianna, Olivia, Grayson, William “Liam”, Alyssa, and Amelia; her twin brother, Billy Deckard of Glasgow, Kentucky; four sisters, Georgia Key and Agnes (Charles) Potts, both of Glasgow, Kentucky, Shirley McClard of Temple Hill, Kentucky, and Carolyn (Tommy) Berry of Austin, Kentucky; many nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; five sisters, Verna Massey, Helen Green, Lorraine Bishop, Margaret McGuire, and Nancy Lou Deckard in infancy; and four brothers, Fred Deckard, James Deckard, Sr., Carl Deckard, and Earl Deckard in infancy.
Betty worked at Olympic Federal Bank in Pekin for 9 years, last as the head teller. Previously, she worked at Eagle Food Center, Pekin Insurance, JC Penney’s, and Convenient Food Mart, all in Pekin.
She was a former member of Averyville Baptist Church in rural East Peoria, where she had been a youth leader with Mike. She also was a teacher’s aide at Christian Academy at Averyville.
Betty was a loving and supportive mother to Shannon and Kristi. She spent many hours volunteering at their school as a room mother, chaperone on field trips, PTA member, and Den Mother. She gave that same nurturing love to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and became the best Nana and Nanny in the world.
Betty enjoyed baking, decorating, shopping, and her many trips to Hobby Lobby. An avid bowler in earlier years, she bowled on many women leagues and couples leagues with her husband Mike.
To honor Betty’s wishes, the family will be celebrating Betty’s life in a private gathering.
Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Nuge Tyra Memorial Fund.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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