Betty “Jayne” Smith, born December 10th, 1946, in Ames, Iowa, passed away at the Stuart Care Center, surrounded by her loving family February 20th, 2024, at the age of 77. Funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, March 15th at the Dexter United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Jayne was the third of five girls born to Jay and Beulah Nevitt on a small farm near Dexter Iowa. From birth Jayne had a quiet and gentle spirit. She was the pixie of our family after being born premature. Playing mother to her three baby brothers Tom, Bob and Jim. Always making sure they were well taken care of. All the girls had such fun playing dress up in mom‘s old prom dresses. Teaching Pat and I how to put on our mascara and wear high heeled shoes. Mary teaching her how to wear her hair in a flip for high school. All the wonderful talks we had with three in the bed watching for Santa Claus out our window. The millions of dishes we washed together while the boys would try and snap us with the dish towel. Jayne was a hard worker. Always helping mom in the kitchen. Loving to bake. She made the best cinnamon rolls in the county. In 4-H she always received a blue or purple ribbon. Jane attended both elementary and high school at Earlham where she had many friends. Janie moved to the mountains of Idaho, where she lived with her sister Emily. She loved living with Emily attending The Assembly of God church where she met and married Lewis Keele. Living in Clarkston, Washington her greatest joy was teaching girls about Jesus in girls club. Jane loved, helping raise Lew’s four children. They were a great joy to her, even after Lew’s death. After Lew’s death Jane moved to Perry, Iowa where she met Larry Smith after taking him a plate of cookies. They had many happy years together, listening to Gaither tapes and doing Bible studies together. Jayne was a natural caregiver. She was always there for whoever came home from the hospital and needed a helping hand. Also taking care of Lew and Larry. After Larry died, Janyne took up a new hobby of baking cookies for family and friends. Everyone loved seeing her coming with her cooler full of wonderful cookies. She enjoyed living in Perry spending time with Bob and Tom and watching Hawkeye basketball. Jayne our hearts and family will not be the same without you. We give you over into Jesus arms knowing Mom, Dad and Emily are waiting for you. If Jayne were here, I believe she might read Psalms 22:17 The Spirit and the Bride say, Come! And let him who thirst Come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life without price.
The third child of eight she is preceded in death by our parents Jay and Beulah (Varley) Nevitt and oldest sister Emily (Nevitt) Binning. She was lucky to find love twice and is preceded in death by both husbands, Lew Keele and Larry Smith.
She is survived by her 6 siblings: Mary (Bruce) Koboldt, Tom (Linda) Nevitt, Bob (Lorrie) Nevitt, Jim (Sherrie) Nevitt, Patti (Dick) Kenworthy, and Carol (Dan) Nordeen. She loved and cared for Lew’s four children, Theresa Adams, Kathi Keele, Tanya Field, and Scott Kelle. And loved being an aunt to her 16 nieces and nephews.
She will always be remembered for her caring heart, amazing cookies, and love for Jesus.
To send flowers in memory of Betty Jayne Smith, visit the Tribute Store.
15
Mar
707 Warren Street
Dexter, IA 50070
15
Mar
707 Warren Street
Dexter, IA 50070
15
Mar
34024 Veterans Memorial Dr
Adel, IA 50003
34024 Veterans Memorial Dr
Adel, IA 50003
Johnson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Stuart Chapel • 123 Northeast Secon Street, Stuart, IA 50250 • Phone: (515) 523-1200
Dexter Chapel • 814 Wash Ave. Box 57, Dexter, IA 50070 • Phone: (515) 789-4621
Earlham Chapel • 140 NW 2nd Street, Earlham, IA 50072 • Phone: (515) 758-2500
Redfield Chapel • 902 1st Street Box 404, Redfield, IA • Phone (515) 789-4621
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