Rita Smith

Rita Kay Smith, 64, of Ephrata, Washington, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Aug. 8, 2026.

Born on April 9, 1962, in Bellingham, Washington to Elmer and Beverly Hanson, she was adopted in 1966 with her sister Debra Rae by Keith and LaVeda Sherwood. Rita grew up in Moses Lake, Washington with a love for gardening. May 11, 1980, Rita met the love of her life, Allen Smith and graduated from Moses Lake High School a month later. Rita married Allen on Sept. 12, 1980, and went on to build a fulfilling life centered around her five children and a career in construction/remodeling, water/fire damage restoration, painting and long-haul truck driving. Her love for playing games, working and helping her children never stopped and continued up until she went to be with her Father in Heaven. 

Rita was best known for her endless generosity, love, kindness, uplifting spirit, radiant warmth, joyful heart, empathetic soul, nurturing spirit, loyalty and zest for life. Whether it was cooking, baking, or weeding, she found joy in doing everything she did, even if we couldn’t believe she really enjoyed weeding. Her favorite time was spent with her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rita brought joy and warmth to everyone she met. Her proudest accomplishment was a legacy of raising her five children. She enjoyed watching every sport game, musical event, and graduation of her grandchildren that she possibly could. She took pride in her 46-year marriage to Allen. 

She is preceded in death by her parents Keith and LaVeda Sherwood, Elmer Hanson and Beverly Heinzl; brother J. Rand Sherwood and sister Deborah Rae Cole. She leaves behind her husband Allen Smith; her children Karalee (Adam) Zobel, Taya (Tyler) Somes, Turrel (Laura) Smith, Tiffany (Eric) Hagquist and Tanisa Verduzco; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 11 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ephrata, Washington. In honor of Rita’s generous heart, the family requests that attendees wear some purple, Rita’s favorite color.