Retha Smith

Retha Virginia Reeves Smith, age 88, who resided at Alleghany Center in Sparta, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 with her son Tim by her side. She was born May 19, 1930 in Twin Oaks community to Kilby and Betty Poe Reeves. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Ray V Smith, Jr., son, Ronald Vaughn Smith, siblings, Jessie Mack, Ada, Rowena, Bert and those who died in infancy. Retha worked as a switchboard operator in Elkin, NC until her marriage April 5, 1953. She and Ray moved to Essex, Maryland where their 2 sons, Tim and Ronnie, were born. Retha worked tirelessly as a homemaker, wife and mother. The family returned to the Blue Ridge Mountains they loved in Sparta, NC in 1968. When Tim and Ronnie were older, Retha went to work at Hanes Knitting where she was employed until her retirement. Retha was very creative; she wrote poetry, songs, and in her later years, took up oil painting and produced many beautiful works of art for family and friends. She also enjoyed countless hours working in her vegetable garden and planting beautiful flowers. The home Retha, Ray and their sons shared in Sparta was filled with love of family, music, and the best country cooking you’ll find anywhere. Her macaroni and cheese, iced tea, and lemonade were legendary and a staple at every family gathering. Left to cherish her memory are son Tim, his wife, Anita, granddaughter and spouse Melissa and David Baldinger, grandson Andrew Smith, and precious great granddaughter, Madison Lynn Baldinger, one brother and spouse Tom and Lee Reeves, one sister Elsie Lineberry; many nieces, nephews, and their families also survive. The family requests the honor of your presence at the funeral service to honor the life of Retha at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 16, 2018 in the chapel at Grandview Memorial Funeral Home with Brother Ed Hall officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. Interment at the Reeves Family Cemetery for immediate family at a later date. Retha’s request was that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Reeves Family Cemetery Fund, c/o Jean Reeves Osborne, 1087 Tayson Rd, Sparta, NC 28675. Retha’s family would like to express sincere appreciation to the staff of the Alleghany Center and Medi Home Health and Hospice for the loving care provided to Retha in her final years. Grandview Memorial Funeral Home is proudly serving the Smith family and if you wish, online condolences may be submitted to the family at www.grandviewfuneralhome.com.Read Obituary