Rita Dianne Smith, 66, formerly of Columbia City, died at 4:40 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017 at Sacred Heart Nursing Home in Avilla where she had been a resident since June 2015.

She was born June 11, 1950 in Wolf Lake, a daughter of Lewis Wilbert and Dora Vesta (Kichler) Smith. She has made her home in Noble and Whitley Counties.

Rita worked at Passages for a few years and resided in their group home in Columbia City 28 years.

Surviving relatives include a brother and two sisters, Stephen Smith, Judy (Don) Gilbert and Patsy Decker, all of Columbia City; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a half brother, Charles Smith; and a brother-in-law, Dr. Jeffry Decker.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be at Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. The visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Passages Inc.