Shirley R. Smith, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2020. Shirley was born in Newark, Delaware where she lived for 91 years. She was one of three children born to Millard and Clarice Ritchie and raised by her grandmother, Blanche “Nanny” Ritchie. A lifetime member of the Newark United Methodist Church, Shirley took great prideContinue Reading
Shirley R. Smith, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2020. Shirley was born in Newark, Delaware where she lived for 91 years. She was one of three children born to Millard and Clarice Ritchie and raised by her grandmother, Blanche “Nanny” Ritchie. A lifetime member of the Newark United Methodist Church, Shirley took great pride in her marriage of 70 years to Allen E. Smith, also of Newark. She is predeceased by her brother, William F. Ritchie and survived by her sister, Aileen R. Krewatch; sons and daughter, Jeff, Gary and Nancy Smith and grandchildren: Kristen Lindewirth, Kathryn and Elizabeth Bottner, A.J., Jack, Mackenzie, and Madison Smith and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley graduated from Newark High School in 1946 where she was a cheerleader. After graduation, she was the secretary for Judge G. Burton Pearson, Jr., Delaware Supreme Court, a position she enjoyed and stayed with until her children were born. When her children entered school, Shirley took a position in the Editor’s Office at the University of Delaware, Department of Agriculture and stayed friends with many of her coworkers long after they all retired, meeting several times a year for lunch.
Shirley spent her summer weekends at the beach and loved spending time with her family. She retired from the University of Delaware in 1985 when her first of seven grandchildren were born so she wouldn’t miss a minute of their growing up. Shirley loved her home and enjoyed jigsaw and word puzzles, sewing, baking, knitting, playing board games, and reading. The ever happy-homemaker, Shirley was also an active member of a local Home Demonstration Club “Home Dem,” and met with her friends monthly to share food, crafts, and stories of their families. In the fall, Shirley could be found at UD home football games and often traveled to attend away games. Those who knew Shirley will remember her laughter and the lessons she taught by example of the importance of laughing at yourself and loving your friends and family.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to “Newark United Methodist Church” and sent in care of R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 W. Main Street, Newark, DE 19711. Family and friends will be invited to a celebration of Shirley’s life at a later date.