Obituary: Elizabeth 'Lib' Smith

Elizabeth “Lib” Smith, 100, of Longboat Key, died June 21.

Born Sept. 27, 1912, in Frankfort, Ky., she was always interested and talented in music; she played both the piano and organ. After graduating from the Cincinnati College of Music and the University of Cincinnati, she taught music for seven years at Shawnee Mission Junior High School, in Louisville, Ky.

In 1941, she married Hastings Smith, who was serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. She had two sons, Hastings Jr. in 1943, and Robert in 1945. During the war, she lived in Maine, St. Petersburg and Lexington, Ky.

After the war, the family moved to Indianapolis, where Hastings Sr. began a successful insurance career. In Indianapolis, Mrs. Smith worked for many charitable organizations, including the Red Cross, Junior League and her local church.

In 1973, Mr. Smith died, and Mrs. Smith moved to Longboat Key. She volunteered at the Longboat Island Chapel and taught classes in crewel embroidery and needlepoint for many years.

Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her husband, Hastings Smith Sr., and son, Hastings Smith Jr.
She is survived by her son, Robert Smith; brother, Bob Rogers; and five grandchildren. Her family extends thanks to her caregivers and nurses from A Better Solution of Sarasota who were her best friends and constant companions for the last five years.

A memorial service took place June 26.