Rita P. Smith

Rita “Pat” Smith, of Bowie, Maryland, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born in 1937, Pat was the daughter of the late William C. and Lee Taylor Ryan. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Raymond Ritter Smith (1999); her sister, Mary Lee Finzel (2007); her brother, Mike Ryan (2013); her grandson, Raymond R. Smith III (2026); her granddaughter Rebekah Hope Smith (2000); her daughter-in-law, Laurie Smith (2021); and her son-in-law, Thomas Wintersteen (1984).

Pat dedicated 37 years of service to the National Security Agency, where she worked in the Contracting Office until her retirement in 1994. She was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Parish in Bowie and an active member of the Sodality. Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life and guided her deep love for family, friends, and community.

Throughout her life, Pat found joy in many pursuits. She was a sports fan and in her younger years enjoyed tennis and bowling. Later in life, she found pleasure in reading, puzzles, doing home projects, and spending time with those she loved. Above all, she cherished her family and took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Pat is survived by her children, Catherine (Bill) Wintersteen-Kolb of Bowie, Carl (Cathy) Smith of Grasonville, William (Carrie) Smith of Clarksville, Raymond (Gina) Smith Jr. of Bowie, and Lee (John) Reilly of Texas. She is also survived by her brother, Bill (Sue) Ryan of California.

She leaves behind sixteen cherished grandchildren: Candi, Danny, Amber, Savannah, Caitlin, JT, John Paul, Bradley, Ryan, Mary Beth, Bryan, Katie, Addison, Jackson, Michael, and Connor; six beloved great-grandchildren, Jordan, Cali, Chloe, Tenley, Anni, and Maeve; two step-grandchildren, Lauren and Jack; her dear niece and nephew, Debbie and Kenny; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, June 22, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Beall Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 23, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Repast at the Knights of Columbus, Bowie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ray Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o DeMatha Catholic High School, 4313 Madison Street, Hyattsville, Maryland 20781. Online contributions can be made through https://www.dematha.org/supporting-dematha/designations. Please go to Designations/Scholarship Funds.

Pat’s life was marked by faith, kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.