n 1938 - 2026

Rita M. Smith, age 87, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026, at her home in Hays.

She was born on August 19, 1938, in Hays, Kansas, to Alois and Barbara (Dinkel) Denning.

She met and married Charles Werth in 1958. They were later divorced.

Survivors include her children: Brian Werth (Jacque Sharp) of Lamar, Colo., Brad Werth of Syracuse, Brent (Tammy) Werth of Hays, Brenda Werth (Larry Pfeifer) of Hays, and Barbara Werth of Erath, La.; and her brother, Larry Denning of Plainville, KS.

She was preceded by her spouse, Ronald E. “Ron” Smith, in 2006; two sons, Joseph and Bradley; and her siblings: Alvin, Edna, Dolores, Lester, and Kenneth.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 883 Moscow Street, Munjor, Kansas 67601. Inurnment followed the Mass in the St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery in Munjor.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to HaysMed Hospice.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Rita’s family on her tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels. com Cremation is under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.