Rhea L. (Ward) Smith, age 74 of Dayton, passed unexpectedly on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at the Soin Medical Center surrounded by her family. She was born on September 13, 1947 in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of the late Earl & Evelyn (Allen) Ward.

Rhea was a former employee of Royal Z Bowling Alley with 10 years of service, and she was an avid collector of cookie jars. Preceded in death by her 4 sisters Sharon Moore, Enola Downing, Arline Kelly & Linda Ward, and by her brother Ronald Ward.

She is survived by her loving children Jennifer Dawson & Michael Washington (Debra Browning), 2 sisters Diane Baker & Mary Lou Daniel, 2 brothers Darrell Ward and wife Joyce and Dennis Ward and wife Marybeth, 4 grandchildren Barbara Washington (Matt), Thomas Phillips (Hannah), Cassandra Ferguson and husband Brent and Destiny Doss and husband Jake, 6 great grandchildren Lily, Thomas, Forrest, Aribella, Kayden and Brentley as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. The family wishes to express a special thank you to Monica & Chell for all of their help and friendship throughout the years.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later time.  

Please share memories and condolences at www.swartfuneralhome.com. Expressions of Sympathy, Love, and Thinking of You cards may be sent to The Family of Ms. Rhea L. Smith, C/O Swart Funeral Home, 207 E. Central Ave., West Carrollton, Ohio 45449.