Rhoda Mae Smith, 90, teacher at Bergstrasse and Fulton Elementary Schools, CVHS volunteer

Rhoda Mae Smith passed gently into eternal blessed promises of her Lord Jesus on May 13, 2018. On March 5, she celebrated her 90th birthday.

She was the third of five children born to the late Chester and Laura Eichelberger. Rhoda married Bryon M. Smith on Dec. 5, 1948.

She is survived by her husband and three children: Christine A. Axe, widow of Vincent “Skip” Axe; Scott T. Smith, husband of Beverly Schower; and Jan Eric Smith, husband of Tina Ogden; grandsons: Ryan J. Axe, husband of Jennifer Werner; Eric O. Smith, husband of Heather Kyler; Forrest M. Smith, husband of Hillary Baughman; Nathan T. Smith; three great-grandchildren: Konnor M., Brynn H. and Caden V. Axe; and a sister: Joanne.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson: Kurt Axe; and three siblings: Marion, Dorothy and Paul.

Rhoda attended Akron School and graduated from Ephrata High School in May of 1946. In her 30s she and a life-long friend, Fern Yoder Horst, were accepted at Millersville College, which led to Rhoda earning a bachelor of science in Education in May 1967; an elementary library science certification in November 1970; an elementary of science permanent certification in 1971; and a master’s of education in August 1972 with her dissertation entitled “The Role of Environmental Education in Early Childhood Education.”

In 1974, she was honored as an Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America in recognition of contributions to the advancement of elementary education and service to the community. During her 23 teaching years, she taught kindergarten and first grade at Bergstrasse and Fulton Elementary Schools in the Ephrata Area School District.

She also taught Sunday school as her children were growing up at Mount Zion United Methodist Church (then Evangelical United Brethren) in Akron. In the 1990s, Rhoda initiated and facilitated the organization and opening of the Lancaster Evangelical Free Church Library, the church of which she became a member of in 1992.

Her hobbies included basket making, scherenschnitte, planting and caring for her flowers, traveling, baking, researching family history and genealogy, leading tours and taking classes to the Cocalico Valley Historical Society. The CVHS museum is housed in what was formerly the Connell home. Rhoda enjoyed re-enacting the life of Nora Connell as she led tours of the museum. She also organized Akron Borough’s 100th birthday celebration.

Her passion was first for God, then for her family, and for the well-being and education of children.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, May 19, from 9 to 10 a.m., at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Road, Lititz, followed by her funeral service at 10 a.m. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Rhoda’s memory, may be made to Brethren Village Good Samaritan Fund, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.