Rayetta J Smith

Rayetta Jeanne Smith known as Ray to her friends and family passed away peacefully Sunday morning, February 9, 2020, after a long bout of illness with her loving husband by her side. Rayetta was born in Pueblo, Colorado, on October 12, 1936, her parents were Lyman and Ina Ready. She moved to Bakersfield California during elementary school. She was the oldest of three children with a younger brother Robert, and sister Judy. She went to East Bakersfield High and met her only love and future husband Larry who went to Bakersfield High. After graduation from Fresno State College, Larry and Rayetta moved to Taft California to work in the Oil Business.

Larry and Rayetta had three beautiful children - Julie, Darcy and Craig. Rayetta was an easy going homemaker who participated in school activities and was actively involved in the Children’s Home Society of California. Rayetta loved participating and being part of the everyday lives of her children. Larry and Rayetta moved to Boston Massachusetts, Amarillo Texas, Huntington Beach California, and Houston Texas before retiring to Fallbrook California in 1989.

Rayetta was one of the most personable people you would ever meet. She supported all of the towns where she lived by volunteering regularly. She loved to play bunco, bridge, Mah Jongg, shop and golf with her friends. Rayetta was a wonderful hostess who loved planning parties, and inviting her friends and family. She was a wonderful decorator - Larry and Rayetta built two retirement homes, Rayetta did all of the decorating, painting, wallpaper, drapes and more. Her homes were absolutely gorgeous. Her favorite Holiday was Christmas - she planned for months decorating the house, tree, packages and the exquisite Christmas dinner.

Rayetta is survived by her husband Larry of 65 years, brother Robert and his wife Linda, sister Judy, and Larry’s sister Arleen, children - Julie, Darcy and Craig, his wife Andra, grandchildren - Jason, Casey, his girlfriend Jessica, Brett, Collin, Meghan, Samantha and Mollie, and great grandchildren - Rawley, Everleigh and Lucas. Rayetta will be sorely missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Cancer Society or Alzheimer Society.

Memorial will be held on June 27, 2020, 11:30am at

Hillcrest Memorial Park

9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA

A Luncheon will be held on the Hillcrest Memorial Park grounds immediately following.