Elizabeth Ann Smith Neffendorf

Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Smith was born in Portland, Oregon to parents Glenn and Annie (Davies) Smith on February 21, 1934. She was sister to Glenn and Donald There was a 9 year age gap between Betty and her brothers, and she was proud to be their big sister. She looked after her brothers, taught the two manners, and educated them in the ways of the world. Her family home was in St. Johns, and she attended James John Grade School. Betty then attended and graduated from Roosevelt High School. Her family was very close, and Betty enjoyed the many happy and fun family gatherings in her childhood and throughout her life.

Betty married her high school sweetheart, Ronald "Babe" Neffendorf, on September 5, 1952. The story goes that Betty was a year and a half older than Babe, so she had to wait until he graduated from Roosevelt for the two of them to be wed. However, the wedding date had to be postponed because of an injury to Ron's hand sustained while on the job at a sawmill. The wedding pictures include Ron's bandaged hand, but big smiles on both of their faces regardless. The two remained in North Portland, and their beginnings were modest to say the least, as their very first home was a modified chicken coop with a wood stove! During that time, Betty was employed at the phone company as a phone book proofer.

Betty and Ron were blessed with four children; son Ronald was born in 1954, followed by Barbara in '55, William in '57, and finally Dale in '58. Four children in 5 years was quite a lot to mange for Betty, but she did it with love and care and devotion.

They remained in North Portland until '68, upon which time they relocated to SW Portland, and into a home they had built on SW 53rd, off Taylors Ferry Road. They remained at this location until just a few months ago, after purchasing a lovely home in the retirement area of King City, which is where she passed away, looking out the windows of her new beautiful garden. Before her passing, she was blessed with an outpouring of love and visits from family and friends throughout her bedridden state.

For most of her working career, Betty was the company treasurer, secretary, and on the board of directors for the family business, Air Balancing Specialty, up until her retirement. They started the business out of the basement of their home, which grew too large to manage there. They then transferred the company to its current location on Milwaukie Ave. in Portland several years ago. Sons Ron, Bill and Dale worked for the family business also, where Bill and Dale still work and manage today. Ron worked the Alaskan branch in Wasilla, where he took over to run it successfully still today.

Ron and Betty were devoted and involved members of the Lions Club, and their membership allowed for the two of them to travel with other Lions members to New Zealand, Australia, and Sapporo Japan (Portland's sister city). Quite simply, Ron and Betty enjoyed each other's company very much, as they were married for 63 years!

Later in life, Betty and Ron began walking the inside of Washington Square Mall to get out of the house for exercise, and to visit with other walking friends there. Five days a week, the two would mall walk, and play pinochle with close friends.

Betty will be remembered for her love and devotion to her husband and family. They were the main focus throughout her life. She will also be remembered as someone who loved people, being social, and just "chit-chatting" with someone whether it was a beloved family member or someone she just met.

Betty was a child of the great depression era, and as a result was extremely frugal, practical, and dignified. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting, making baby blankets for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was an avid gardener also. Betty loved flowers, and was especially fond of dahlias. She had an incredible dahlia garden in her yard. Betty's favorite colors were blue and pink, and she never left the house without a matching ensemble and coordinated accessories.

She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, conversation partner, and friend. Betty will be greatly missed by many.

Betty is survived by her loving husband 'Babe', sons Ronald, William and Dale, daughter; Barbara Warren, brothers Glenn and Don Smith, 14 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.

Visitation for the public will be held on Sunday, June 12, 2016, from noon to 5pm at Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland OR. A funeral service will be held at Skyline on Monday June 13th, at 2pm, with a graveside service following at 3pm at Skyline Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Everlasting Life.

Following graveside services at Skyline, all are welcome to join Betty's family from 4 to 8pm at the Highlands Clubhouse, 12930 SW Peachvale St., Tigard OR for refreshments and snacks.

Please visit the guestbook located on this site and enter a special memory or message. Thank you. Arrangements entrusted to Skyline Memorial Gardens & funeral home.