Mabelle V Smith's Obituary
Barry V. Smith passed away in her home in Avon Park of natural causes at the age of 95 on February 23, 2016. She was surrounded by family.
Barry grew up in Chittenango, NY. After WW II she married Lester F. Smith and moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, raising 4 children there. She then retired with her husband to Sebring, FL, in 1986.
Barry proudly served her country during WW II as a Woman Air Force Service Pilot (WASP). She was very proud to be one of the first women to fly military aircraft in the United States. In 2010 she received the Congressional Gold Medal in Washington, DC, for her service to our country. Barry was a sought after guest speaker to recount the WASP’s history and her many entertaining stories of her time and service with the WASP.
In 1938 her parents bought 2300 acres on Lake Istakpoga in Sebring which became Pine Island Ranch. They raised beef cattle for years until most of the ranch was sold and became The Spring Lake Community.
She is survived by her 2 sons; Dean Smith and David Smith; and 2 daughters Carolyn Butler and Barbara Smith. She had 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She will be missed by all. Memorial Services will be arranged at a later date.
On-line condolences may be shared by visiting www.bankspagetheus.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Banks/Page-Theus Funerals and Cremations, Wildwood.
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