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.

She was known for her homemade cinnamon rolls, Thanksgiving dressing, banana bread, Christmas candy, hot chocolate, and Sunday morning breakfast on the back porch. Those simple moments she created around the table were filled with laughter, conversation, and love and became some of the greatest family memories.

She enjoyed cheering on her favorite teams, whether it was watching the Kansas City Chiefs, Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, or Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball; she loved celebrating every victory and sharing in the excitement of the season.

Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cherished every opportunity to be part of their lives, planting gardens and flowers, having snowball fights, going on trail hikes, and simply spending time together. Her love, guidance, and unwavering support will forever be the greatest blessing she left behind.

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 will be held Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 883 Moscow Street, Munjor, Kansas 67601. Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Inurnment will follow 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.