After a courageous 6-year battle with cancer, Elizabeth Ann "Libby Ann" Clay Smith, 84, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Friday, August 11, 2023.

Libby Ann was born to Henry and Christine Clay in Columbus, Ohio.  She was orphaned by age 6 and was raised by her beloved maternal grandmother, Lucy "Ma" Young in Henderson, Kentucky.  She spent her summers in Niagara, Kentucky, with her paternal grandparents, Dr. Henry and Lizzy Clay.  She joined First United Methodist Church in Henderson in 1946 where she gave of her time, treasure, and talents through the years.

She graduated from Henderson City High School in 1957 where she was active in the choir singing at high school dances and graduation.  She graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College in the Summer of 1960 with a bachelor of arts in elementary education.  She taught at South Heights Elementary School from 1960-1964 and then taught first grade at Hebbardsville Elementary School from 1964 until her retirement in May of 1994.  She loved her school family and the many students and their families that she worked with through the years.

She was active in the Henderson Lioness Club serving as President and receiving Lioness of the Year award.  She served on the Governor's Foster Care Review Board and on the Ohio Valley Art League Board.  She volunteered for Henderson Area Arts Alliance in its early years.  She also served on various church councils and committees.  Libby quietly funded many community causes as well as students' college tuitions through the years, always asking that the students not repay her, but pay it forward.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Ronald D. Smith, and her beloved grandmother, Lucy "Ma" Young.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Marianne Smith of Butte, Montana; her daughter and son-in-law, Dawn and John Kelsey of Henderson, Kentucky, and her granddaughters, Kate Kelsey of Henderson, Kentucky, and Abigail Smith Van Dorian of Joplin, Missouri.

The family wishes to thank Julie Sigler for her years of friendship and care to Libby and to the dedicated nurses at Deaconess Henderson Infusion Lab who made treatments fun.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 17, 2023, at First United Methodist Church.  The Reverend Cindy Green and the Reverend Gary A. Chapman will officiate.  Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home and from 9 a.m. until service time Thursday at the church.

Pallbearers will be Chuck Stinnett, John Berrong, Jim Crafton, Buzzy Newman, Bennie Mouser, Chase Fulcher, Doros Hadjisavva, and Brad Schneider.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Methodist Children's Homes of Kentucky c/o First United Methodist Church of Henderson.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.