Bertie Frances Donaldson Smith, 87, of Mt. Sterling, peacefully passed away, Friday, June 12, 2026, with her daughter and son at her side.
Born Nov. 23, 1938, in Mt. Sterling, she was the daughter of Clarence and Alma Wiggington Donaldson. She was a devoted wife, daughter, mother and friend to so many. She met the love of her life, Harold Smith, through mutual friends in 1955, and the two were married the following year, beginning a remarkable partnership built on love, devotion, and shared purpose. During Harold’s service in the United States Air Force, the young couple moved to Tennessee, where they began building their family and over the years welcomed four children: Rick, Leisha, Tim and Keith. After returning home to Mt. Sterling in 1959, she and Harold took a leap of faith and started Smith’s TV Service with a modest loan from her parents. Through hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering determination, that humble beginning grew into what is now Smith’s Furniture, a downtown Mt. Sterling institution and family legacy that has proudly served the community for 67 years. She will be remembered for her quiet strength, generous heart, fierce devotion to her family, and the incredible work ethic that helped shape both her home and the business she helped build. She had a lifelong love for Kentucky Wildcats athletics and found great joy in cheering on her beloved Wildcats. More than anything, she created a life centered around caring for those she loved, always putting family first and offering kindness and support to everyone around her. Her steady presence, perseverance and compassion touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She leaves behind her children, Leisha Smith and Tim (Beth) Smith; daughter-in-law, Barret Smith; grandchildren, Jennifer, Megan, Zach, Garret and Treavor; a great-granddaughter, Satya; and several nieces and nephews, all of whom will forever cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold Smith; sons, Rick Smith and Keith Smith; and grandson, David Smith.
Her legacy of love, hard work, family devotion, and community service will continue to live on through the family she cherished, the business she helped build, and the countless lives she touched throughout the community she called home.
Graveside services will be held at 12 noon, Friday, June 19 at Machpelah Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made to Fishing in the Park, an annual community event started by Bertie and Harold in honor of their son Rick’s love of fishing. Donations may be made through the Mt. Sterling Montgomery County Parks and Recreation office, 3486 Indian Mound Dr., Mt. Sterling, Ky., 40353, phone (859) 498-8728 or email msmcparks@gmail.com.
Taul Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.
