Melvetta “Betty” Smith Raszkowski, 84, of Pinellas Park FL passed away peacefully at home on July 21, 2025.
She was proceeded in death by her husband Edmund “Whistles” Raszkowski, her son Clifford “Ed” Bakos, her parents Philip and Twila Smith, great-grand daughters Amber Lynn Guido and Lilianne Grace Nye, her sister Mary Grace McHenry and brothers William “Bill” Smith, Clarence “Sonny” Smith, Robert “Bob” Smith, and Phillip Smith.
She is survived by her children Cheryl Nye, Tallapoosa, GA, Robert (Nancy) Woods, Slippery Rock, PA, Debra (Larry) Wrasse, Port Charlotte, FL, Martin Raszkowski, Pinellas Park, FL, Marsha Raszkowski, Pinellas Park, FL, to Matthew (Shauna) Raszkowski, New Port Richey, FL, and Patricia Burkell, of AustinTown, OH. Her best friend Joann Guilliame, Bradenton, FL. She is also survived by her siblings Donald Smith of East Chicago, IL, Edward Smith of Las Vegas, NV, Sharon Walters of Dunn, NC, Sharlene Reilly, Beverly Hills, FL, Ruth Ann Kilgore, Natrona Heights, PA, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, numerous nephews and nieces, and all the friends who loved her and considered her a bonus Mom, Sister and Grandma.
She was born in Sarver, PA and grew up in the Freeport area. She lived in Tarentum, PA before moving to St Petersburg, FL in 1985 and finally Pinellas Park FL. Her children and grandchildren were the most important to her. She was generous and loving, everyone she met was considered family. She worked as a waitress for most of her life, but being a Mom and Grandma was her favorite job.
A celebration of life is scheduled for September 14, 2025. Details will be provided at a later date.
2 Responses
Melvetta, “Betty” was a remarkable woman! A spitfire!!? Funny, kind, loving, generous, adventurous, courageous, free spirited, are just a few of the adjectives I use to describe her. Although I only knew her for 3 short months at the end of her journey on earth,…. She made an incredible impression on me!! I will hold her in my heart forever ….rest peacefully my friend!
My sweet grandmother. Oh the memories I have. From learning you “secret” chocolate chip recipe, learning how to make buckeyes and but rolls, or introducing me to fried zucchini at a very young age. She never met a stranger as she was kind and talked to everyone. A gift I seemed to have inherited. She spoke her mind freely and told you how it was. She loved us all so much. She was always there when I needed her. I will always think of you with fond memories. Watch over us from above