Billie Smith

Billie Elaine Smith passed away on September 21, 2009 at Judson Park Manor in Cleveland, Ohio. She lived her entire life in the Cleveland area, being born in Shaker Heights on February 16, 1924 to Hazel and William Feddery. She attended Boulevard Elementary School, Woodbury Junior High School, Shaker Heights High School and Flora Stone Mather College before it merged with Case Western Reserve graduating with a degree in English in 1945. At the age of sixteen she took up horseback riding lessons at Red Raider Camp which would prove to be a life changing experience. It was there she met Ralston Fox Smith - the camp's owner and director. She would work for Fox for the next 12 years, until they became partners in not only business but life; they were married on March 25, 1952. Much of their life together and many of their friends and acquaintances centered on Red Raider - more a lifestyle than a job. It was an enjoyable existence and the people associated with camp touched Fox and Billie's their entire lives. The camp was sold in 1974, and Fox died in 1975 after 23 years of marriage. Without the camp, Billie became involved with community service and volunteered for a variety of organizations donating her time to many causes including the Shaker Heights Nature Center, Parkside Church, Westwoods Nature Center, Shaker Heights Recreation, The Cleveland Natural History Museum, The Cleveland Museum of Art and Florence Crittenden. She was a supporter of the arts through the Cleveland Playhouse and her frequent attendance at the Cleveland Symphony. She continued her involvement in book clubs and organized speakers programs even after moving to Judson Retirement Community in April 2007. She seemed busier in retirement then during her camping years and she made many dear friends. She was energetic and upbeat, touching the lives of many, admired by those who knew her. Many relied on her positive outlook and it always lifted the spirits of those who spent time. In December 2006, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Beating the odds, she lived 3 more years. Throughout that time, she appreciated the support of friends and family, especially her dear friends Lucy Meacham and Joan Scharf. She is survived by her two step-sons, Peter Fox Joanne and Stephen Ann; her daughter Claire Bruce McKnights; son Douglas Christine; four grandchildren, Matthew Whitney, Kristen, Sawyer and Hawken Fox; four step-grandchildren, Peter Fox Grace, Alice Arter, Alice Johnson Pepper, Ralston Fox Robin; seven step-great grandchildren, Lauren, Andrew Fox, William, Peter, Jackson, Ralston Fox and Jesse. Memorial Services will be held Thursday, September 24th at 11 AM in Parkside Church, 7100 Pettibone Road, Bainbridge Twp., OH 44023 for directions please log online to www.parksidechurch.com


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