Loreta M. “Rita” (Mathews) Wagner Smith, age 72, of Galesburg, Illinois went to be with the Lord after a long and courageous battle with heart disease on Friday, January 30, 2026.
She was born on June 30, 1953 in Galesburg, Illinois the daughter of Vernon “Speck” and Helen (McCoy) Mathews. She attended and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1971. She then received her LPN from Carl Sandburg College. She married Marty T. Smith on April 28, 2007, in Abingdon, Illinois.
Surviving is her husband, Marty Smith of Galesburg, Illinois; daughters: Mara (James) Thomas of Hillsboro, Missouri, Jenny (Phil) Stielow of Heyworth, Illinois, Michelle (Kasey) Pittman of Foxworth, Mississippi and Nicole Smith of Abingdon, Illinois; grandchildren: Kody Wagner of Galesburg, Illinois, Melissa (Shelby Kohler) Mullins of Farmington, Missouri, Jacob Thomas of St. Louis, Missouri, Payton Thomas of Hillsboro, Missouri, Paxton Thomas of Hillsboro, Missouri, Carly (Dru) Jones of Colfax, Illinois, Reed Stielow of Heyworth, Illinois and Max Jones of Foxworth, Mississippi, Carsten Jones of San Diego, California and Jayden Johnson of Bushnell, Illinois; brother Paul (Ginger) Mathews of Galesburg, Illinois, as well as a blessing of cousins, nieces, nephews, and chosen family friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Marcus Kiley Wagner, her brother Melvin Mathews, her special aunt Marjorie Mathews, and her special uncle Donald “Dean” Mathews.
She began her healthcare career early as a candy striper and nurses’ aide before achieving her dream of being a nurse. After receiving her LPN she dedicated her life to serving others through OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, Illinois for 34 years, and several doctor offices, before retiring. She grew up in the Knoxville United Methodist Church with her family, then assisted her husband at the North Pekin New Life Christian Fellowship Church for many years. She also attended the Community Harvest Church in Abingdon. She was a member of the Women’s Sewing Club. She loved to cook and cater for her family and friends and she thrived when creating holiday magic with her decorating. Her home was a place where memories were made one meal at a time. Rita also loved Cricut crafting, gardening, and being with her kids and grandkids. She was a talented floral/wreath designer, and no object was safe from having a flower planted in it. Rita truly spent a lifetime giving herself to others, asking little in return, and left this world much richer than she found it.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026 at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory in Knoxville, Illinois, with Rev. Ryan Lee and Dr. Jeremiah Barker officiating. A fellowship will follow the services at the Hurd-Hendricks Fellowship Center in Knoxville, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Charity of the Donor’s Choice. On-line condolences or expressions of sympathy may be made through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhomes.com.
