Phillis J. (Rice) Smittle, 81, formerly of Decker’s Point, PA died Thursday, March 11, 2021 at Indiana Square Personal Care Home in Indiana, PA.
The daughter of Philip Daniel and Margaret Alverda (Hess) Rice, she was born on January 6, 1940 in Dixonville, PA.
Phillis was a graduate of Marion Center High School. For years, she had worked in Ohio at the Hoover Company, which later was owned by Maytag and Whirlpool.
A naturally gifted musician, Phillis could play the fiddle by ear. She was a member of the Simple Pleasures Band, as well as the Two Lick Center Fun Band at the Senior Center in Clymer, PA
Phillis is survived by her three children: Donita Klein of New Philadelphia, OH; Teri (Paul) Boston of Indiana, PA; Jesse Lemmon of Clymer, PA; her four grandchildren: Nicole (Chad) Long; Paul (Jen) Boston; Laura Kwiatkowski and Jesse Strickler and her ten great-grandchildren: Troy Russell; Eva and Noelle Long; Teegan and Tiahna Boston; Tanner, Tate and Taya Kwiatkowski and Jesse and Landon Strickler.
She is also survived by her four siblings: Connie L. Rowe of Clymer, PA; William “Bill” W. (Verna) Rice of Commodore, PA; Daniel “Dan” B. (Helen) Rice of Cherry Tree, PA; Greg P. (Tracy) Rice of Suffolk, VA; her sister-in-law, Barb Rice of Commodore, PA; her special niece: Tammy Rice Stiles of Clymer, PA and special family member, Nancy Brewer of Clymer, PA.
Phillis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband James “Jim” R. Smittle on December 2, 2003; her three siblings: Roberta Jane Ann Lemmon; Tim M. Rice and Jackie Rice.
A private viewing and committal service officiated by Pastor Kathy Mihoerck was held for her family at the Rairigh Funeral Home, Ltd. in Hillsdale, PA. Interment took place at East Mahoning Cemetery in Purchase Line, PA.
Please visit www.rairighfh.com to sign Phillis’s guestbook and share a condolence message. A link to view Phillis’s funeral service can be found on her obituary page.
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