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Rita Pauline Smith, 91, of Belle Center, passed away Monday, May 29, 2017, at her home.
Rita was born in Hardin County on June 26, 1925, to the late Thornton and Gracie Wilmont Claybaugh. She was also preceded in death by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Eileen and Earl Griffis and Nina and Everett Abrams, and son-in-law, John Brunke.
Rita was married to Robert L. Smith for 71 years and they knew each other for 77 years and 49 days. They were married on April 12, 1946 in Roundhead and he survives in Belle Center. She is also survived by their children, Ron (Melanie) Smith and Connie Brunke, both of Belle Center; four grandchildren: Jon (Tori) Smith of Delaware, Ohio, Jason (Carrie) Smith of Kenton, Jeff (Jenny) Smith of Kenton and Andrea (Todd) Downing of Belle Center; six great-grandchildren: Grace, Maddie, Nick, Lindsay and Abby Smith, and Laila Downing; and several nieces and nephews.
A 1944 graduate of Roundhead High School, Rita was a homemaker. She was a member of the Belle Center United Methodist Church and was a longtime member of Fides Circle of Kings Daughters Rita loved to travel and had a magnet from everywhere she went. Rita and Robert enjoyed going to the senior centers in Logan and Hardin counties.
Calling is today, Thursday, June 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, Belle Center. Pastor Kevin Smith will officiate the funeral service on Friday, June 2, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial is in Fairview Cemetery, Belle Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to Universal Home Health & Hospice, 701 S. Main St. Bellefontaine, OH 43311.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.edsfh.com.