Lorene Hardt Reitzer-Smith

Lorene Hardt Reitzer-Smith, passed away Saturday, December 14, 2013 in San Antonio, Texas. She was raised in the Texas Hill Country on the family ranch with plentiful inspiration to influence a youngster. Following a career as mother and banker, Lorene began another career as artist. Her great love of natural landscapes was reflected in her art, conveying vibrant depth and beauty. Born Lorene Ida Hardt on October 4, 1914 to Henry Lee and Katherine Leinweber Hardt in Hondo, Texas, Lorene was a remarkable woman, always young to the core even at 99 years of age. As a teenager, she moved to San Antonio during the Depression to help support the family back home and eventually worked at Fort Sam Houston during the war. Lorene’s banking career began at Highland Park State Bank, where she served for 27 years, until she retired as Trust Officer from Chase Bank. During that time she served as President of the Southeast Business and Professional Women’s organization (1978). Her family immigrated in the early 1800’s from Germany, beginning with Henry Christian Hardt, and after researching her heritage, she became active in the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Upon retirement, she followed her love of beauty and landscapes by displaying it in her oil and watercolor paintings. Lorene enjoyed particularly painting Texas Hill Country scenes, especially those with wildflowers and her favorite—bluebonnets. She continued that endeavor, even until a month prior to her eternal rest. She was married to Joel V. Reitzer, Sr. for 50 years. She married August Bowling Smith (USN, Ret.) in November, 2003 (passed away June 2013).

Lorene is survived by her two children: Paulette Graves (husband, Vannie) of Kerrville and Joel V. Reitzer, Jr. (wife, Judith) of Durham, North Carolina, her grandson, Jason Reitzer of Ponte Vedra, Florida and great-grandsons, Jaden and Julian Reitzer. She leaves to her family the memory of a young and generous heart, a love of God’s beautiful creation, a quest for continued learning, a strong work ethic, and above all, a dedication to her faith as a child of God.

A visitation will be held at First Church of the Nazarene (10715 West Avenue, San Antonio 78213) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2013. A memorial service in Thanksgiving to God for the life and witness of Lorene will be at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18th in the sanctuary of First church of the Nazarene, 10715 West Avenue, with Reverend Matt Rice, presiding.

Following the service, all attending are invited to a brief reception at the church (210-387-8034) with interment at 3:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park in San Antonio.