Angola, Ind. – Rita Jean Smith, 66, of Angola passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at her home.
 Rita was born on February 24, 1959, in Aurora, Ind., to Edmond and Mary (Meierle) Gigerich. She graduated from Aurora High School in 1977. Rita graduated from Vincennes University with an associate’s degree in Natural Resources in 1979 and from Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources in 1982.
 Rita worked as a Naturalist at Brown County State Park and then at Pokagon State Park.
 She was a member of Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Angola and a member of Ravenous Readers Book Club, Fremont, Ind.
 Rita enjoyed birdwatching, hiking, backpacking and cycling. She was a lady of many talents including sewing, she made her own wedding dress, an avid reader and her cooking was exceptional. She liked to garden and grow native plants. She loved dogs and most of all, loved spending time with her family.
 Surviving are her loving husband of 33 years, Monte D. Smith of Angola; her son, Grant B. Smith of Silver Spring, Md., her daughter, Claire E. Smith of Angola, sisters, Kay Gigerich of Aurora, Ind., and Joyce Palmer of Aurora.
 She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Don Gigerich and Lynn Gigerich.
 Visitation will be from 4 – 6 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2025, at Weicht Funeral Home, Angola.
 Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2025, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Angola with Father Raul Marroquin officiating. Visitation will be from 10 – 11 a.m. prior to the service at the church.
 Memorial donations may be made to McClue Nature Reserve.
 Condolences may be expressed online through our website: www.weichtfh.com.
 LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS HANDLED BY THE WEICHT FUNERAL HOME, ANGOLA.