Rita Smith

Rita Joyce Harrell Smith, age 59, of Independence, Kansas died Thursday, May 24, 2012 at her home in Independence, Kansas. Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas with the Rev. Francis Aeshcliman officiating. Burial will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery under the direction of the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. Visitation hours will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 29, 2012 with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. The family has suggested memorials to the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice or the Mercy Cancer Center and contributions may be left at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. Rita was born March 23, 1953 in Ewing, Nebraska to Robert James and Charlene Louise Fuller Harrell. Rita graduated from the Independence High School. She worked at Darbys Caf, Emerson Electric for 13 years, ACC and was a corrections officer. On May 7, 1971 Rita married Sam Smith in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The couple made their home in Independence and then Harrington, Kansas before returning to Independence, Kansas. Rita was a member of the Wesleyan Church in Independence, Kansas. Survivors include her husband Sam Smith of Independence, Kansas two daughters Joyce Louise Chaput of Independence, Kansas and Juanita Dawn Wilson of Casa, Arkansas six sisters Laura Bruington of Liberty, Kansas, Pamela Holmes of Peck, Kansas, Debra Ward of Chester, Illinois, Charlotte Rowell of Cherryvale, Kansas, Janie Matthews of Independence, Kansas and Jonie Dowell Mulvane, Kansas 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchildren.