Betty Ruth (Smith)-(Kolarik) Merida, 66 of Brookline Station, MO, was reunited with our Lord on November 13, 2012.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at 3:00 p.m., in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, 3506 North National in Springfield, MO. with Rev. Vernon Henson officiating.
Betty was born October. 3, 1946 in Claremore, Oklahoma, she is the daughter of Herman R. Smith the late Mary (Pyles) Smith.
Betty is survived by her loving husband of 19 years, Mike Merida; three loving sons, Paul Dennis Kolarik, Jr. and his companion, Debbie Bedell of Denver, CO, David S. Kolarik and his wife, Jennifer of Kansas City, MO and Drake E. Kolarik and his wife, Tina of Wentzville, MO; their father, Paul Dennis Kolarik, Sr. of Pleasant Hope, MO; sister, Patricia Palmateer-Opolski of Nixa, MO; brother, Raymond L. Smith of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Kiera, Parker, Aaron, Marie, Madyson and Hayden; sister-in-law, Kathy Smith and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Betty will be fondly remembered for the sincere love, respect, compassion and joy she brought to those she touched. She was a leader, entrepreneur, competitor, teacher and sterling example of what all should strive to emulate.
Betty enjoyed many hobbies, her favorite being at one with nature with her hands firmly affixed to her fishing rod and reel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.