Rilla Rosalie Smith

Rilla Rosalie Smith, 86, of Monroeville, Indiana, passed away on September 13, 2024 at Adams Heritage in Monroeville, Indiana.

She was born on February 3, 1938 in Coldwater Michigan to the late James Belote and Helen (Draper) Belote.

Rilla was united in marriage to Richard Smith Sr. on October 12, 1954, in Coldwater, Michigan, and he preceded her in death on May 17, 1998.  She faithfully served her family as a homemaker.

Rilla was very fond of her grandchildren and great grandchildren…she loved being a grandparent.  She spent time over the years collecting key chains.   As a faithful homemaker to her family, Rilla also found satisfaction in crocheting many items for her family and others over the span of her life.  These “crochet’s of love” will be treasured by her family.

Survivors include her daughter, Teena (Jerry) Castleman of Monroeville, Indiana; son, James Smith of South Bend, Indiana; son, Leonard Smith of North Carolina, daughter-in-law, Carrie Smith of Indiana, daughter-in-law, Julie Smith of Fremont, Indiana; seventeen grandchildren, forty five great-grandchildren with one more on the way, and nine great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by two sons, Richard Smith Jr. & Ray Smith; one grandchild, Nitika Smith; a daughter-in-law, Janice Smith, and 10 brothers and sisters.

Graveside services for Rilla will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Lakeview Cemetery in Quincy, Michigan, with Rev. Harold Klinker officiating.  Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.

Memorials in memory of Rilla can be made payable to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in care of Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, 520 N. 2nd Street, Decatur, IN  46733.

Arrangements are by the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel, Monroeville, Indiana.