Rita Jerene Smith-Ott

Rita Jerene Smith-Ott, 77, of Bridgeport, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at her home. Her funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Monday, October 2, 2017 at the Church of Christ in Bridgeport with Pastor Jonathan Seng officiating. Interment will follow at the Oregon Trail Memorial Cemetery at Bridgeport. Visitation will be held from 2-4 PM on Sunday, Oct. 1st at Bridgeport Memorial Chapel. Memorials may be given to Camp ROCK. Condolences may be left by visiting Rita’s tribute page at www.bridgeportmemorialchapel.com

Rita was born June 29, 1940 at Bayard, Nebraska to Albert and June (Kirk) Nuss. She traveled across the country due to being raised in a military family. She graduated from high school in New Egypt, New Jersey. After high school, Rita returned to Bridgeport and married Ron Smith. The couple farmed south of Bridgeport. To this marriage one son, Randall, was born.

Rita traveled extensively and lived abroad in Israel and Jordan for three years, spreading the Gospel message. Her faith was the most important part of her life. She was active in Aglow International, Friends Forever, and led worship at several meetings and retreats.

Rita loved music and played the guitar and sang for church services and at Skyview at Bridgeport. She taught many youngsters to play the guitar. She wrote some of her own songs which she shared with others.

Later in life, Rita was united in marriage to Lenard Ott on June 17, 2006 at Bridgeport. The couple spent 11 years together. They traveled to many interesting places, including Jordan, Israel, Alaska, and The Netherlands. They went fishing and camping and enjoyed each other’s companionship until her passing.

Rita is survived by her husband Lenard; son Randall of Ingalls, KS; brother Don of Florida; several half-brothers and half-sisters; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents Chris and Mary Nuss and Art and Esther Kirk, and brother Charles.