Rita Smith

Rita Joyce (Ronck) Smith passed away on January 15, 2024, at the age of 71. A memorial service to honor her life will be held on Friday January 19, 2024 at 10:00am at the Bethel Hawley Baptist Church in Nash OK, with Rev. Gary Lillie officiating. Burial will follow at Saint Anthony’s Cemetery in Clyde OK under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory.

Rita was born December 27, 1952 (a twin), in Enid, OK to Norvel and Ruth (Gaume) Ronck. She was raised on a wheat and cattle farm near Wakita, along with her six siblings and graduated from Wakita High School in 1971. She married Tom Smith on October 3, 1987. They continued to make Enid their home.

In 1971 Rita entered St. Mary’s Hospital’s Radiography program graduating with a National Certification for Radiologic Technologists. Later in her career, she became a Clinical Instructor and Supervisor for the Autry Technology students entering this field, influencing, and mentoring hundreds of students throughout her career. She performed this role while being the CT Department Manager for many years. Rita was instrumental in the organization of the NW Oklahoma Society of Radiologic Technologists, serving as their president for several years. In 1981 Rita was named the Oklahoma Society of Radiologic Technologist of the Year. Over her 47- year career with St. Mary’s, she won the respect of her co-workers, patients, students, and medical personnel.

Rita’s greatest joy was her husband and her family. Since their retirement she and Tom have traveled extensively in their motor home, and for the past several years have spent winters in Mesa, AZ with several other retired (and active), family members. She and Tom went on numerous cruises and travel excursions, having visited most of the 50 states. She enjoyed her many nieces and nephews, treating them much like she would have her own children and grandchildren. Her joy was the next family event or “party” as she fondly referred to them. She and Tom hosted many of these gatherings over the years. One of her favorite sayings was, “let the party begin”! She loved a variety of crafting, loved working in her numerous flower gardens, particularly taking pride in growing her many varieties of roses. Rita also shared a special closeness with her twin sister Ronda. They loved telling everyone there was not only one, but two sets of twins in their family. Rita was loyal to her family and her abundance of “friends”.

Rita was proceeded in death by her parents Ruth and Norvel Ronck, who were married for 65 years.

She is survived by her husband Tom of the home; step-son Jeff Smith and his daughter Sarah of Dallas Tx; brothers Vic (Marci) Ronck, Missoula MT; David Ronck, Stillwater; Duane Ronck, Enid; sisters Mary Lou Flanagan, Claremore; Ronda (Gary) Bell, Claremore; and Donna (Bill) Bingham, Amarillo TX. She is also survived by six nieces and nephews; Kristi (Kraus) Mitchell, Kat (Kraus) Smith, Matt Truitt, Tiffany (Truitt) Fitzsimmons, Leslie (Bingham) Engle and Bryan Bingham, along with ten great nieces and nephews. Also surviving is her (Aunt) Margaret Ronck, Wichita KS and numerous cousins.

Those who wish to honor Rita’s memory may consider contributing to Bethel Hawley Baptist Church with Ladusau-Evans serving as custodian of the funds.

Condolences may be made, memories shared and services viewed online at ladusauevans.com.