Obituary for Elizabeth Lucille Smith (VonTobel)
Elizabeth VonTobel Smith was born on March 15, 1922 to Agnes and Edward VonTobel in Tremont, Illinois. The family moved shortly thereafter to Peoria, Illinois. She was the youngest of 4 children. She had 3 older brothers who have preceded her in death - Francis, John and Paul.
She became one of the first women Marines in 1944. She met and married her husband, Earl after the war. They were transferred to Springfield, Illinois shortly after that. They stayed in Springfield until Earl's retirement from Illinois Bell Telephone Company in 1971 when they bought an Airstream trailer and traveled the United States. They spent winters in Florida. Earl died in 1973 and at that time Bettie made Florida her permanent home. She had a wonderful life there for 35 years. At the age of 67 she and 3 other ladies boarded a working freighter and sailed around the world. She loved to travel and did so at every opportunity.
She also had a love of reading - she especially loved historical fiction. She also stayed current with world events well into her 90's. She could tell you more about current events at any time than many of the younger generation.
At the age of 88 she moved to Ft. Wayne, Indiana to be close to family. Her body began to slow down at that time, but her mind remained sharp - one of her happiest accomplishments. When she was 94 she co-authored a book written by women in the military - "Finding the Words" - coordinated by the poet laureate of Indiana. She then moved permanently to Springfield, Missouri where her daughter, grandson and great grandchildren reside.
She is survived by her daughter, Sharon, grandson, Christopher(Jennifer) and great grandchildren, Claire and Isabel; her nieces and nephews, Valerie; Paula (Bob); Cris (Craig); Joe (Alicia); Greg (Rhonda).
Elizabeth died on February 10, 2021 after a very full and rewarding life.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00am on Friday, February 19, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 3555 S. Fremont Avenue, Springfield, Missouri with Father Daniel Belken officiating.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Road, Springfield, Illinois where Full Military Honors will be rendered.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street, Springfield, Missouri 65806.
Elizabeth's service will be live streamed on Facebook. Please click this link to view.
https://www.facebook.com/Immaculate-Conception-Parish-Springfield-MO-458965037941209/
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com
She became one of the first women Marines in 1944. She met and married her husband, Earl after the war. They were transferred to Springfield, Illinois shortly after that. They stayed in Springfield until Earl's retirement from Illinois Bell Telephone Company in 1971 when they bought an Airstream trailer and traveled the United States. They spent winters in Florida. Earl died in 1973 and at that time Bettie made Florida her permanent home. She had a wonderful life there for 35 years. At the age of 67 she and 3 other ladies boarded a working freighter and sailed around the world. She loved to travel and did so at every opportunity.
She also had a love of reading - she especially loved historical fiction. She also stayed current with world events well into her 90's. She could tell you more about current events at any time than many of the younger generation.
At the age of 88 she moved to Ft. Wayne, Indiana to be close to family. Her body began to slow down at that time, but her mind remained sharp - one of her happiest accomplishments. When she was 94 she co-authored a book written by women in the military - "Finding the Words" - coordinated by the poet laureate of Indiana. She then moved permanently to Springfield, Missouri where her daughter, grandson and great grandchildren reside.
She is survived by her daughter, Sharon, grandson, Christopher(Jennifer) and great grandchildren, Claire and Isabel; her nieces and nephews, Valerie; Paula (Bob); Cris (Craig); Joe (Alicia); Greg (Rhonda).
Elizabeth died on February 10, 2021 after a very full and rewarding life.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00am on Friday, February 19, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 3555 S. Fremont Avenue, Springfield, Missouri with Father Daniel Belken officiating.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Road, Springfield, Illinois where Full Military Honors will be rendered.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street, Springfield, Missouri 65806.
Elizabeth's service will be live streamed on Facebook. Please click this link to view.
https://www.facebook.com/Immaculate-Conception-Parish-Springfield-MO-458965037941209/
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com