BETTY BYRD SMITH

Betty Byrd Smith, age 86, passed away on February 8, 2019 of natural causes in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Betty had been ill for some time, but her passing was sudden and unexpected. Betty was born in 1932 to Floyd Byrd and Hazel Ledford near the Red River Gorge in Eastern Kentucky. Betty’s grandfather Ledford’s farm on the gorge was the origin of Betty’s and her family’s love of mountain people and mountain music. Musical influences included her renowned cousin, Lily May Ledford. Betty attended high school, college, nursing school, and graduate school in journalism near Lexington Kentucky. Betty worked initially as a nurse and in real estate sales. Then, under the pen name Betty Ellington-Smith, Betty devoted full time to her passion as a playwright and poet. Betty wrote the words and music to the musical, Something Light to Carry, that was produced twice, recently in Santa Fe. Most importantly, Betty wrote numerous award-winning screenplays. One of them, Kitchen Privileges, won two first-place awards. Betty was also active in local womens’ charity groups including one dedicated to feeding the homeless. Betty is survived by her husband of 30 years, Peter Smith, her four children, Megan Ellington of Sarasota Florida, Elyce Ellington of El Cajon, California, Michelle Vertuca of Midway, Kentucky, and Sean Ellington of Tucson, Arizona, two grandchildren, and two nephews. Betty was a smart, funny, and caring woman. We will miss her. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 21, 3:00 pm, at Berardinelli Family Funeral Service, 1399 Luisa St, Santa Fe, NM 87505.