Rita D. Smith

Rita was born October 25, 1956, in Carmi, Illinois, Rita was the cherished daughter of Charles Smith and Norma Babcook. On January 24, 1976, she married the love of her life, Elza “Rusty” Smith, in Springfield. Together they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, love, and family before Rusty’s passing on December 23, 2015.

Rita had a natural gift for making everything—and everyone—around her feel cared for. Whether she was tending to her garden, cooking a homemade meal, or transforming old furniture into something beautiful again, she poured her heart into all she did. She found joy in simple pleasures, had an eye for the latest fashions, and a soft spot for every animal that crossed her path.

To know Rita was to know kindness. She greeted everyone with a smile, never met a stranger, and made people feel at home in her presence. Her generous spirit touched countless lives, and her door—and heart—were always open.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Smith; stepfather, Jim Babcook; grandmother, Opal Leach; brother, Lynn Smith; brother-in-law, Kenny Grant; sister-in-law, Kathy Smith; and nephew, Nicholas Williams.

Rita’s greatest joy was her family. She is lovingly remembered by her four children, Jason Baptiste (and former daughter-in-law, Angela Baptiste), Brian Smith, Melissa Smith, and Kim (husband, Matt) Moore; and her beloved grandchildren, Logan Baptiste, Christopher Pettit, Brian Lee Elza Smith, Bradyn Andrew Robert Smith, Micah Baptiste, Kinley Richardson, Wesley Myers, Keaton Moore, Thea Moore, Jack Richardson, and Walker Moore.

She is also survived by her mother, Norma Babcook; siblings, Jimmy Smith, Robert Smith, Yvonna (husband, Danny) Williams, Sherry Grant, Jay Bradley (wife, Mary) Babcook, and Tommy Smith; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Smith; her honorary grandchildren, McKinley, Reagan, and Weston Releford; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Rita’s life was a reflection of love, faith, and resilience—a reminder to find beauty in everyday moments and to love without limits. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with Rusty and the loved ones who went before her, and that her light will continue to shine through all those she touched.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.

Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield with Michael Settles officiating.

Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.