Rita Mae Smith

Rita Mae Smith, born on May 26, 1931, in Gowanda, NY, and passed away on June 5, 2023, at the age of 92. Rita was a spirited and creative person, who lived a full life and touched the hearts of many throughout her years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who found joy in her family, her work, and her hobbies.

Rita was employed as a factory worker for much of her adult life, having spent many years working for General Electric making transistors and later, Fischer Price Toys. She was a thoughtful and hardworking individual who took pride in her work. Rita enjoyed being a part of OLT productions, helping with costumes and being an actress. She also was a vendor at many arts and craft fairs all over. She was an avid card player, especially canasta, and always found humor in everything. Rita and her late husband traveled all over North America and loved every minute of it. They also were both avid bowlers and did league play. Rita’s grandchildren meant the world to her, and she cherished every moment spent with her beloved family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Smith; her parents, Arthur Remington and Minnie Trautman; her siblings, Earl Remington, Marian Remington, Minnie Remington-Wood, Nelson Remington, Claire Remington, and Agnes Remington-Wanner.

Rita is survived by her children, Linda and Victor Schell and Cynthia and Donald Buckles; her grandchildren, Chuck and Michelle Schell, Christopher Schell, Victoria and Jason Ball, Kristin Benefield, and Kevin and Joni Buckles; fourteen great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; and a host of others whose lives she touched.

No services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

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Ethan Nahté

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