Rita Smith

Rita Ann Smith, 74, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, October 1, 2022. Rita was born to Violet and Walter Cunningham on September 25, 1948. She attended Guilford High School. Rita married the love of her life, Donald G. Smith on September 11, 1965, here locally. Rita took great pride in working with the public for 47 years. She loved the Lord, and attended area churches over time, including Heartland Community Church. She always looked forward to the autumn season, spending time with her family over Thanksgiving Dinner. She loved her family dearly and wrote her greatest wish recently: “My children and grandchildren to finish school and have great lives and to be financially set!", They are all pretty smart. She went on to also write when asked what life has meant to her, “I loved my life, enjoyed living, and loved people no matter what!” She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Donald; children, Kelly (David) Steinke, Kimberly Cortinas, Donald (Natoshia) Smith; siblings, Wanda (Mark) Flessner, Mike Cunningham, Scott (Sharon) Cunningham, and Steve Cunningham; 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild (making 5 generations); 7 nephews and 10 nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Violet and Walter; her siblings, Terry Buntjer, Sherrie Speed, and Walter Cunningham.  A Celebration of Life will be announced sometime in early to mid-2023, with the goal of conducting the service in the late summer to early fall of 2023 as Rita requested.
? Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 712 Windsor Road, Loves Park, Illinois 61111. www.statelinecremations.com