David Ronald Smith

avid Ronald Smith, 87, of Rittman, passed away peacefully at LifeCare Hospice on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021 after a brief illness.

He was born in Spencer, WV on Jan. 17, 1934 to the late Perry and Olita (Ross) Smith and was from Brumley Ridge in Wayne County, WV.  He graduated from Fort Gay High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1956 – 1957 having served in Germany.  Dave retired from the Packaging Corp. of America in Rittman after forty and a half years of service and had made his home in Rittman for over 60 years.  On Nov. 20, 1987 he married Molly Watkins and she survives.  He was a member of South Main St. Church of God in Rittman.  Dave is remembered for his love of God, his family and his church congregation. He loved to ride his bike, walk the trails and take road trips to Amish Country and to other places.  He always liked traveling the backroads.

Surviving is his wife, Molly; sons, Michael R. and Jody Smith and Steven R. Smith both of Rittman; step-daughter, Cynthia Chapman of Canton; granddaughter, Stephanie (Eric) Slavings and great-grandchildren, Gabriella, Logan and Jude Slavings.   Also surviving are step-grandchildren, Natonya (Jimmy) Simmons, Aiden Simmons, Aaron (Desiree) Hill and Tyler (Liz) Hill; step great-grandchildren, Aidan Hanna, Dakota, Avery, Alison, Brycen and Raeleigh Hill and a nephew, Dick (Barb) Smith of Rittman.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Tracy and Derrell and sisters, Virginia and Dorothy.

Services will be Monday, Dec. 27th at 2:00 p.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Creston with Pastor Jeff Ball officiating.  Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.  Friends may call from 12:00 noon until time of services at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Tributes may be shared at www.Murray-Funeral-Home.com  Memorial contributions may be made to LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.  (Please wear a mask to services at the request of the family)