Elizabeth Smith
1939 – 2023

Elizabeth (Betsy) Forehand Smith passed away on the morning of November 4, 2023, in Sun City, Ariz. surrounded by her loving family after a brief battle with cancer.

Betsy was born January 13, 1939, to Roy and Masie Forehand in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Betsy attended Carlsbad schools where she met the love of her life, Harlen Smith. They graduated in 1957 and attended New Mexico State University. After earning her degree in Physical Education, Betsy went on to teach in the Las Cruces school district. She and Harlen married in 1961.

After the birth of their children Betsy devoted herself to her family. The family moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1971 and then to Socorro, New Mexico in 1982. There, Betsy became active in many volunteer organizations, especially PEO where she served in several offices including president. She also served in the Presbyterian Church as a deacon, elder, and delegate to the Presbytery and General Assembly. Betsy became a realtor and served in the Socorro area for 25 years Betsy embodied the meaning of family, faith, and servanthood. She loved to travel, especially with her family. She was always up for trying new experiences and loved a good laugh.

Betsy was preceded in death by her parents and sisters.

She is survived by her loving husband, Harlen Smith; daughter, Renee (Steve) Comen; son, Roy (Tina) Smith; grandchildren, Masie (Andrew) Martin, Aaron Comen, Matt Zimmerman, Jacqueline (Armando) Hassey, and Everett Butler; four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education at: https://donations.peointernational.org/peo-donation-pce Full obituary and remembrances available at rengencymortuary.com
Services and inurnment of Betsy’s remains will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, 309 West Shaw Street, Carlsbad, New Mexico.

El Defensor Chieftain