Betty Smith

Betty Smith was born in Oakley, California to Angela and Vicente Pastor, immigrants from Spain. She spent most of her 86 years as a Knightsen, California resident. She attended Knightsen Elementary School and Liberty Union High School, where she was active in many clubs including the LUHS Marching Band, the yearbook and the tennis team. Not only was Betty in the FFA Homecoming Court and a long-time member of the 4-H Club, but she also co-wrote the LUHS school song lyrics, which are still used today. After graduation in 1948, she studied at the University of the Pacific before taking a job at Fiberboard in Antioch. There she met her future husband, William R. Smith; they were married in Reno, Nevada in 1950.

Along with raising four children, Betty continued her studies at Los Medanos College and received her Associates Degree in early childhood development. She spent many years as a preschool teacher in Brentwood and continued to be active in the Knightsen Garden Club and a Leader in the Knightsen 4-H. During the last 25 years, she enjoyed all the children that came to Smith Family Farm and participated in her barn show. She sang along with them on stage, showed them how to play instruments and told them stories about nature, farming and the history of the area. "Mrs. Smith" was known by countless children who visited the farm. Working there was one of her greatest joys.

Betty always had a love of nature and farming. From working in the apricot canneries as a girl, to helping her husband and children harvest almonds and walnuts, to walking with her grandson and telling him the names of local plants and flowers, she truly appreciated the countryside. She will be remembered fondly for her love of music, her enjoyment of a good party, her unabashed ability to step in front of a microphone and her exuberant sweet tooth. We will miss hearing her hum her favorite John Philip Souza march or sing a song from a musical.

Betty is survived by her sons William R. Smith III & Kenneth Smith; daughters Janice Smith & Shirley Smith; son-in-law Patrick Doherty; daughter in-law Kim Smith and Grandson Nicholas Smith. She is also survived by her sister Angela Wilson; brothers Frank Pastor & Vincent Pastor; Sister in-laws, brother in-law and nieces & nephews. (Preceded in death by husband William R. Smith II and siblings Mary Escalona, Christina Pastor, Victor Pastor, Nellie Thayer, Lorraine Bowen & Robert Pastor)

A Mass will be held for Betty on Friday, April 29th 11:00am at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Oakley. Funeral Services will be held at the Brentwood Funeral Home on Saturday, April 30th at 11:00am, 839 First St., Brentwood, CA (925) 634-2171. Following the service, there will be a gathering at the farm for family and friends that knew Betty.

Please consider donating to The Knightsen School Preforming Arts Program in honor of Betty's love of music. Check can be made out to KPTC and mailed to Knightsen Elementary School, 1923 Delta Rd., Knightsen, CA. 94548

-