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