03/19/2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHqAD-HQMPA
Betty Ann Klingensmith, 94, passed away peacefully with loving family by her side on Sunday evening, March 8th. She was born on December 13, 1931 in Norwich, CT to Frederick and Gladys Olsson. Betty graduated from Simmons College in June of 1953 and married Walter Emery Klingensmith that same month. She taught 5th grade in Massachusetts while Walter finished medical school and started surgical residency. They moved to Vicenza, Italy so that Walter could serve in the Southern European Task Force as a Captain in the US Army. Betty taught 2nd grade on the Caserme Ederle base until their first child was born. They moved back to the Boston area for Walter to finish his residency and then returned to his home state of West Virginia, so Walter could establish his medical practice in Beckley. There they raised their five children and served their community in multiple ways for 56 years. When Walter passed away in 2017, Betty moved to Rockford IL to be closer to some of her family members.
Betty was an avid reader, gardener, crafter, and animal lover. Her children enjoyed a home full of books, pets, homegrown and preserved vegetables, and love. Besides helping to initiate the Great Books program in her community, serving as a Girl Scout Leader for over 20 years, and filling multiple roles in her church, Betty enjoyed participating in her book and garden and travel clubs. She spent a lot of time and energy hosting or visiting her children and their families, and seemed to love nothing better than big, noisy family gatherings. Betty cherished her extended family of in-laws, nieces and nephews, and any kind of reunion with them.
Betty is survived by her five children: Sally (William) Hoff, Charles (Satoko) Klingensmith, John (Erin Fraher) Klingensmith, Daniel Klingensmith, Mary (Douglas Hanto) Klingensmith; eight grandchildren: Will (Britt) Hoff, Susan (David Niles) Hoff, Maggie (Adam) Hopkins, Anna and Sara Maeve Klingensmith, Aaron Klingensmith, Tucker and Tenley Hall; six great-grandchildren: Billy, Peter, Ann Hoff, Dot and Archie Hopkins, Bruce Niles; her beloved sister-in-law Bobbie Klingensmith; seven nieces and nephews and their families; and her little dog Rosie. She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Walter; her parents, her brother-in-law David Klingensmith and sister-in-law Mary Alice Thurston; her daughter-in-law Becca Klenk and her nephew David “Andy” Klingensmith.
Betty’s family would like to thank the staff of Wesley Willows, who cared for Betty and enriched her life over the last eight years, especially those on E Wing of the Health Center, and that special friend who stayed in touch with her even when she could not reciprocate, Joy Burleigh Hill.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at SecondFirst Church, 318 N. Church St., Rockford IL. Attendees are encouraged to wear bright colors in honor of Betty’s vibrancy. Memorial contributions in Betty’s honor can be made to your local animal shelter. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.olsonfh.com.
Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age but they die young.
Dorothy Canfield Fisher
