Elizabeth "Betty" Crandall Smither

Elizabeth (Betty) Crandall Smither transitioned to eternal life on October 10, 2024 at the age of 97. Betty was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Rose Felitto; her siblings, Helen Felitto, Joseph Felitto and Raymond Felitto; her first husband, Jack R. Crandall; and her second husband, William L. Smither. 

Betty's educational foundation began at Utica Catholic Academy in Utica, N.Y. in 1944. After graduation, she immediately began her training at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Watertown, N.Y. After graduating from nursing school, she began her nursing career, which spanned 50 years. 

Betty and her first husband Jack moved to Lynchburg, Va. for Jack's job in 1959. Betty continued her nursing career in Lynchburg. In 1968 Betty was chosen to attend a pilot program in what is now known as respiratory therapy at UVA. After completing the program, she returned to Lynchburg General Hospital to form the new department in respiratory therapy as head of the department. She was awarded nurse of the year for her work in this field. Later she also attended what is now known as the University of Lynchburg where she earned her M.Ed. Betty retired from her position as the Director of LPN Nursing at Bedford Memorial Hospital in1994. However, as soon as she retired, the Va. state board of nursing accreditation asked her to take on the accreditation of the LPN programs around the state. She did this job for several years and finally earned her full retirement. 

After her first husband's death, Betty married Bill Smither (Captain Bill). She and Bill traveled extensively and enjoyed their vacation home at Smith Mountain Lake where they spent many hours entertaining friends and family. 

Betty thoroughly embraced her faith, family, and friends. She was especially happy with her Sweet Adelines quartet, Doris Padgett, Betty York and Margaret Tucker. 

Betty is survived by her four children, J. Gregory Crandall (Lisa Schenkel), Steven Crandall, Kevin Crandall, Mary Crandall Alexander (Alan); and her stepdaughters, Kathy Bolling and Sherry Smither Rosser. In addition, she is survived by her grandchildren, Jack R. Crandall (Bre), Carlene Crandall, Foy Katherine Crandall (Jonah), Makana Alexander and Hoku Alexander; and great grandchildren, Willa Crandall Hickson, Ella Crandall, and Jack Crandall.

 A mass of resurrection to celebrate the life of Elizabeth (Betty) Crandall Smither will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024 at 12 noon at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. 

The family invites you to attend a Celebration of Betty's life after the service to share stories and reminisce about Betty in the Commons at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.