Mitzi Sheila Smetters
September 16, 1939 ~ March 15, 2024
Mitzi Sheila Smetters, age 84, passed away on March 5th, 2024, in Pittsburgh, PA with her family by her side. As her health declined, she became eager to reach her heavenly home.
Mitzi was born September 16, 1939, in Chicago, IL to Bernard and Hazel Satinover. She was the President of the gun club at Chicago’s Steinmetz High School, having learned a skill that would later lessen the squirrel population and provide additional food for the family in the North Woods of Wisconsin.
Mitzi married Theodore (Ted) Smetters on August 22, 1959, and moved with him to Dallas, TX where he attended Dallas Theological Seminary and was ordained as a pastor. She and Ted then began a lifelong pursuit of service to their Lord and Savior ministering to congregations in Clintonville, WI (Clintonville Bible Church), Phelps, WI (Twin Lakes Bible Church) and Leroy, OH (Leroy Community Chapel). Mitzi was involved in women’s community and church groups, continuing to spread the message of Christ to those she encountered. Mitzi and Ted were blessed with five children: Beth, Helen, Steve, David and Kent. As a journalist, photographer, avid birdwatcher, and family historian, the divine nature of God’s world was continually revealed to Mitzi.
Mitzi was preceded in death by her husband Ted, her parents Bernard and Hazel, and her brother Elliott.
Mitzi is survived by her children Beth (Dave) Norris, Helen (Michael) Trask, Steve (Ginger) Smetters, David (Bev) Smetters, Kent (Cindy) Smetters; grandchildren Nikki Smetters, Riane (Jake) Wubbenhorst, Reghan Norris, Olivia Norris, Nathan Smetters, Cami Smetters; great grandchildren June Wubbenhorst, Aubrey Wubbenhorst, Parker Wubbenhorst.
Mitzi will be remembered for cutting her own trail. She preferred to build a picnic table than to prepare the food to serve on it. She was more comfortable behind a camera than in front of it. She would rather tell the story than be the subject of it. She loved nature, especially those birds.
Friends will be received 4-7pm, Thursday, March 14, 2024 at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River St., Madison. A Funeral Service will be held at 11am, Friday, March 15, 2024 at Leroy Community Church with a time of Fellowship immediately following. Final resting Place will be Alexander Harper Cemetery.
Contributions can be made online to Vision Appalachia.
Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Dear Smetter’s family, I was so sorry to hear about your Moms passing. I have some wonderful memories of spending a few nights at your home in Leroy hanging out with Beth and Helen. Your Mom and Dad were so kind to me. My family spent many years at Leroy Community Chapel. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. God Bless!
See you in Heaven dear Mitzi. Have enjoyed our correspondence over the years. Have enjoyed your nature posts. You will now be with our Heavenly Father and with Cousin Teddy, Aunt Dorothy & Uncle Ted. God be with the family during this difficult time. Cousin, Ruth Armstrong.
Dear Smetters Family: I am so sorry for the pain of it all, and for your loss. She sees Jesus as He is, and so shall we! Isaiah 60:20: “The Lord will be your everlasting light and your days of sorrow will end.” Praying for you, Amy at Agora
Mitzi was my cousin. She was 10 years older than me and I remember many enjoyable times with her when our families got together when we all lived in Chicago. She was always happy and upbeat and treated me like the big sister I never had. Life took us in separate directions and we lost touch for many years. But a few years ago we reconnected through Facebook and it was wonderful to get reacquainted. To her family and friends, my sincere condolences on your loss.
I remember Helen being so excited being able to spend time with her dear mother (Mitzi) in Pittsburg Pennsylvania! Remodeling the home along with her Moms space etc.. Helen was always taking about her dog, daughter, husband, parents and sibling-non stop (in that order) when visiting Louisville, KY! I felt like I knew the whole family! May god Bless her dear Mom Mitzi!!
So many memories of birding with Mitzi with Lake Metroparks over the years& we continued to keep in touch after she moved.So sorry she had been dealing with SO many health issues.Thinking of all the family at this difficult time.Cherish your memories.