Reta L. Smit

Reta L. Smit, 84, of Taneytown, MD, passed at Lorien Hospice in Taneytown on Friday, January 23, 2026. Born May 4, 1941, in Greenup, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Lucy (Thompson) Craycraft. Reta was the loving wife of Richard L. Smit; they were married for 63 years.

Reta was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Taneytown. She was a stay-at-home mother until her children entered junior high school, then worked part-time at Sears Roebuck Department Store. Later, she worked at Little Sisters of the Poor in Catonsville, at UMBC in the Yum Yum Shoppe, and finally part-time at a Hallmark Store.

She was well known for her ability to make ribbon bows, often asked to make them for wreaths and for decoration at the church for special services. She loved to play cards and socialize with her friends and started the JULIET Club (Just Us Ladies Eating Together), at Carroll Vista.

Most important was her family. She would drop everything to take care of her grandchildren, traveling near and far to be with them. Sleepovers at Grandmom and Pop-Pop's house was a highlight for all where they enjoyed ice cream for breakfast, dough cakes for dinner, eating in front of the T.V., and doing things not allowed at home.

Reta is survived by her children, Chuck (and wife Cynthia) of Edmonton, Alberta Canada, Michael (and wife Frances) of Atlanta GA, and Steve (and Marci) of Mt. Airy, MD; and grandchildren, Zack, Sami, Audrey, Rachel, Ava, and Ian. Reta was predeceased by siblings, Horace, Harry, Bill, Wayne, Carl Craycraft, Ruth Sparrow and Ruby Anderson. She’s survived by brother Cecil.

The family will receive friends at Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, P.A., 136 E. Baltimore St., Taneytown, MD 21787, Thursday, January 29th, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Chirstian Burial will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, 11 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 44 Frederick St., Taneytown, MD 21787. Interment will follow the service at the church cemetery.