Rita S. Hurst, 74, of Ephrata and formerly of Lancaster, passed away suddenly at Lancaster General Hospital on Thursday, February 20, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cleveland J. Hurst and three grandchildren.

Born in Trenton, NJ on January 5, 1940, she was the daughter of the late George Leo Smith and Kathryn E. (Wenger) Smith.

She is survived by her children, Billy R. Matthews (husband of Deborah), Lancaster, PA, Bobby Joe Matthews, Mt. Pleasant, PA, Tracy Conrad (wife of Kenneth), Cottonwood, AL, and Catherine Juba of Ephrata, PA. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Bryan Stewart (partner of Jackie Ink), Krystina Imler (wife of Kyle), and Jennifer Matthews; and five great-grandchildren. She also is survived by her brother, Leo Smith (husband of Ella) of Guerneville, CA.

Rita worked at Wal-Mart for 7 years until her passing. She previously retired from Anderson Bakery after working there for over 30 years. Rita loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Family and friends will be received from 10 to 11 AM on Monday, February 24, 2014 at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 414 E. King St., Lancaster, PA 17602, with the Funeral Service starting at 11 AM. Interment will be at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rita's memory to Children's Miracle Network, 600 Center View Ln., Hershey, PA 17036.