Betty "GiGi" Smith Stoner

Betty “GiGi” Smith Stoner, age 85, passed away on May 18, 2026, at Baptist Health Floyd in New Albany, Indiana. Betty was born on June 24, 1940, to Egert and Grace Smith. She was raised in Pekin, Indiana, and was a true “farmer’s daughter,” but spent most of her life living in Jeffersonville, Indiana. She was a proud graduate of the Pekin High School class of 1958 and Indiana University Southeast, where she earned an associate degree in journalism. She was also a dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church in Jeffersonville.

Betty’s career path started in hairdressing and culminated in the printing industry as a sales representative. She was remarkably successful, managing large accounts that ranged from the Ford Motor Company to NASA. Her hard work enabled her to purchase a farm in Palmyra, Indiana, and being a farm owner brought her enormous pride.

An avid world traveler, Betty visited numerous countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Panama, Italy, Greece, England, Russia, and many others throughout Europe & central America. She was in Germany when the Berlin Wall fell and was deeply moved to witness that moment in history. She also enjoyed traveling domestically throughout the United States, with big cities being her favorite destinations.

Betty was an excellent home chef who loved to recreate dishes from the countries she visited and cook for her family. She was also an expert seamstress who enjoyed making clothes and could mend or sew anything. Additionally, she had a passion for gardening and regularly shared her bounty with others.

Throughout her life, she always maintained that her greatest gifts were her children and grandchildren. She cherished her role as “GiGi” and loved her grandchildren dearly, as spending time with them brought her immense joy. She volunteered at their schools and attended their sporting events or performances.

She is survived by her daughter, Janelle (Dale) Schlosser, and her daughter-in-law, Kim (Bobby) Stoner. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Ian (Abby) Schlosser, Jacqueline (Justin) Stoner, and Amber Schlosser; her sister, Millie Crockett; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, including Denise (David) Higgs, Tommy Weeks, Tony (Beth) Crockett, and Jayme Weeks.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey Stoner; her sister, Virgie Weeks; brother-in-law, Frank Crockett and her brother, Carl Smith.

Visitation for Betty will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Martinsburg Church of Christ, 4505 E. Borden Rd., New Pekin, IN 47165, with a memorial service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, Betty requested, in her own words: “I have had plenty of flowers and planters in my life, please make a donation to the Center for Women &
Children.” Donations can be made online at https://www.thecenteronline.org/donate. Because Betty spent countless hours volunteering for too many organizations to list throughout her life, the family also encourages you to donate your time and talent to help others in her memory.

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