Betsy Lee Smith, while known to many as the sister of TV sensation Ree Drummond, has her own story to tell. Unlike her famous sibling, Betsy has always chosen the path of privacy, keeping her personal life away from the glaring lights of the media.
- Family Ties: Betsy grew up in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, alongside her sister Ree and two brothers, Michael and Dough Smith. Tragically, Michael left the world in 2021, leaving a void in the family. Betsy’s parents, William Dale Smith and Gerre Schwert, parted ways in 1997.
- Career Path: Betsy’s LinkedIn reveals her diverse professional journey. From starting as a Client Service Coordinator in 1998 to her recent roles as Head of Content Partnership at The Pioneer Woman and Director of Content Strategy at Inspo Network, she’s worn many hats. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University of Bloomington.
Boaz Ashkenazy: More Than Just a Husband
Boaz Ashkenazy isn’t just Betsy Lee Smith’s husband; he’s a visionary in the world of augmented reality (AR). Based in Seattle, Boaz is the brains behind Simply Augmented, a mobile AR platform that’s revolutionizing how businesses interact with their clientele.
- A Glimpse into Boaz’s Journey: Boaz’s passion for AR isn’t new. He co-founded Studio216, which specialized in architectural visualizations. A graduate from the University of California and the University of Washington, Boaz took the entrepreneurial leap in 2005. By 2018, he was fully invested in Simply Augmented.
- Family Life: While Boaz keeps his personal life under wraps, it’s known that he and Betsy share a bond of love and have a son, Elliott, to show for it.
Ree Drummond: The Culinary Queen
Ree Drummond, Betsy’s sister, has been making waves in the culinary world. Born in 1996 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Ree’s journey from a blogger to a household name is nothing short of inspiring.
- From Blog to Stardom: Ree’s blog, ThePioneerWoman.com, started as a humble platform discussing homeschooling, family, and ranch life. However, her detailed recipes, accompanied by vivid photographs, soon caught the public’s eye. With accolades like the Weblog of the Year in 2009, 2010, and 2011, Ree’s blog became a sensation.
- Personal Life: Ree’s heart belongs to Ladd, and together they parent five children: Alex, Paige, Bryce, Jamar, and Todd.
Remembering Michael Smith
The Smith family faced a heart-wrenching loss in 2021 with the passing of Betsy’s brother, Michael, at 54. Known affectionately as Mike, he was a beloved figure in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The cause of his demise remains private. Following his passing, tributes poured in, with Washington County Emergency Management Agency hailing him as a “legend and an icon.” Ree’s touching tribute to her brother read, “Michael Smith, you were everything.”
In the world of celebrity siblings, Betsy Lee Smith has carved her own niche. While her sister, Ree, dazzles the culinary world, Betsy and her husband, Boaz, lead lives filled with passion, privacy, and purpose.
