Roberta Sue Smith, 73, of Otway, entered her Heavenly Home surrounded by loving family and friends on October 3, 2022, at SOMC. She was born on May 28, 1949, in Hamilton, Ohio, to the late Roy L. and Juliann (Gerren) Rachford.
She was united in marriage on March 21, 1988, to David Smith who survives. Also surviving are two step-daughters, Alyssa Gomez of Colorado and Jessica Smith of Columbus; a grandson whom she raised, Josh Smith; five great-grandchildren, Elijah Smith of Indiana, Autumn, Chloe, Jace, and Jaxon Smith, all of Wheelersburg; three brothers, Rusty (Anna) Rachford of Otway, Donny (Jeannette) Rachford of Lucasville, Steve (Patty) Rachford of Otway; four sisters, Stella (Bill) Seaman of Otway, Joyce (Roger) Dettwiller of McDermott, Rosemary (Keith) Stephenson of Lucasville, and Jeannie (Terry) Morris of Otway; and two friends she considered more like her daughters, Stacy Hall and Rhonda Ross.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, whom she missed terribly, BJ Williams; a nephew, Shane Rachford; and a brother, Claude, in infancy.
Roberta was a 1967 graduate of Northwest High School. She spent 18 years working for Elder-Beerman in Dayton and worked in various other places after she moved back to the Otway/Rarden area. She was also blessed to be able to coach the Cross Country team for a few years for Northwest High School, where she formed many long-lasting friendships.
Roberta was dearly loved by her church family at Pleasant Valley Community of Christ. She loved life, sports, NASCAR racing, and camping, in no particular order. But most of all, she loved her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and all who she considered family. She gladly cheered them on in whatever they pursued. She had a contagious smile and a truly loving heart. She will be sorely missed by her many, many close friends and family.
Services will be held at 12 pm Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Botkin-Hornback Funeral Home in Otway, with Daron Lilly officiating. Burial will follow in Berea Cemetery in Otway. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5-7 pm Friday, October 7th.
