Obituary of LaVerne W. Smith

LaVerne W. “Whitey” Smith, 78, of Garfield Street, Fort Plain, NY died on Sunday, December 6, 2020 surrounded by his family from complications of Alzheimer’s.  Born in the Town of Palatine on May 24, 1942 he was the son of the late Wagner and Lula Peeler Smith.

A lifelong area resident, Whitey was a graduate of Fort Plain High School Class of 1961.  Following graduation he went to work for Palatine Dye in St. Johnsville.  He worked the night shift for seven years and then worked for Fort Plain Printing for a short time.  In 1970 he began a long career with Montgomery County.  Whitey worked his way up the ladder and retired after thirty years of service in 2000 as the Maintenance Supervisor, a title he was very proud of.

On June 4, 1966 he was united in marriage to Barbara Flanders Smith, his high school sweet heart.  Together for over 50 years, they enjoyed being together and vacationing to Myrtle Beach.  Whitey was a member of Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church, B.P.O.E. #2621 and the Johnstown Moose Lodge.  Whitey enjoyed working on his home, riding on his John Deere tractor, fishing and absolutely loved the game of golf.

In 2017, following Whitey’s diagnosis he and his family struggled.  With the love of family, friends and the care he received, he was able to cope.  The family wishes to thank Capstone Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, River Ridge Living Center and the team of healthcare professionals at St. Mary’s Hospital for all of their compassionate care.

Whitey will be remembered for the loving, caring and gentle soul that he was.  He instilled in his family the principals of work ethic, compassion and the importance of being kind.  He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife Barbara; one son, Jeffery Smith and his wife Becky; two grandchildren, Justin Smith and his wife Amber, and Ashley Bargstedt and her husband Cody; three great grandchildren, Jacoby, Natalie and Scarlett; nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his sister, Lavina Smith and her husband Donald.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 11a.m. at Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church, 115 Reid Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339.  A calling hour will precede the Mass beginning at 10a.m. at the church.  Relatives and friends are all invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, 200 Clark Drive, P.O. Box 432, Fultonville, NY 12072 or the Fort Plain Volunteer Fire Department, 168 Canal Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com