After a courageous 26-year battle with cancer, Rita Renee (Rauen) Smith, age 71, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. 

She was born on July 8, 1954, in Altamont, South Dakota, and lived a life marked by love, dedication, and service to others. Rita graduated from high school in Clear Lake, South Dakota, as a member of the Class of 1972. She went on to build a meaningful 45-year career with the State of Minnesota, most recently working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Technician. Her commitment to helping others extended beyond her professional life; Rita was known for her passion for helping others and making a difference in her community, including spending time visiting a local senior, often taking trips to Dairy Queen. Rita found immense joy in spending time with her loved ones. 

She was the beloved wife of Robert (Bob) Smith and cherished her role as stepmother to Melissa (Joey) Pachak and grandmother to Max Thumb and Josie Pachak. Rita and her 7-month-old granddaughter, Josie, had an amazing short-lived connection. She also shared close bonds with her siblings: Mary (Gordon) Severson, Marcia (Fess) Parker, Julie (Robert) Seckler, Anita (Terry) Kenyon, Carl (Margret) Rauen, and Roger (Rhonda) Rauen. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including her much loved nephew, Brad Severson, with whom she shared a special bond, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Myrtle Rauen, as well as her brothers Henry Rauen and Vince Rauen. One of Rita's greatest joys was vacationing each winter in Ft. Myers Beach at Seawatch Resort and spending her summers at Lake Irene and Red Cedar Lake with family and friends. These trips were filled with laughter and created cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who shared them. Rita also had a special love for celebrating her birthday—and for cake—a tradition that brought together those she held dear. 

In recognition of her birth month, a celebration of Life is being planned for July 2026 to honor Rita's memory and the profound impact she had on those around her.

Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home

Anoka, 763-421-0220

www.thurston-lindberg.com