T. Rachelle Smith

Toni "Rachelle" Smith, 57, of Ravenna, Ohio has found rest in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after several brave battles with cancer on Friday October 4, 2024. Rachelle, as she became known, was born in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, but grew up a Mogadore Wildcat. Though she was most recently employed with Summa Health Systems, Rachelle was previously a dedicated employee of Acme Fresh Market for 35 years where she met and fell in love with Chris Smith. Chris noticed her when she started there as a receptionist. Their first date was to Red Lobster where Chris found out that Rachelle didn’t even like fish! Rachelle continued to work for Acme and became the Manager of Special Promotions. For 33 years Chris and Rachelle were married. They started their life together in Canton then traveled to Hartville and finally moved their home to Ravenna Ohio. The laughter and love they shared along with the legacy of family they created will continue on through their sons and daughters in law Michael Smith (Arwen), Steven Smith (Loreley), Ashton Smith and his fiancee Gabby Brockman; and their daughter Brionna Smith and her boyfriend Creighton Allen. 

Rachelle also leaves behind her parents Loretta and Jim Bender; her lifelong friends Bruce and Paula Wilson; her beloved grandchildren Eliana, Rowen, Kayden, Titus, Temprence, Shimon, and Joel; her faithful four foot companion Kai. 

 Rachelle knew her way around the kitchen and was an excellent cook. Happily learning everyone’s favorite meals throughout the years even though she seldom ate them herself, preferring plain dishes or Belgrade’s chicken dinners and Pepsi. Her love of cooking has been passed on to her children and grandchildren with many special recipes shared over the years. Her homemade mashed potatoes were legendary at holiday dinners and family gatherings for having zero lumps. 

 Rachelle was also an avid crafter and jewelry maker. Many loved ones have bracelets and necklaces made by her or with her. These became special times spent together. 

 As we lay our beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to rest we remember how bravely she fought and how fiercely she loved. One of the Bible verses Rachelle loved was, 

Galatians 2:20 - “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

We are thankful for Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross and in Rachelle’s life. We will carry her laughter in our hearts until we see her again. 

Family and friends may call Sunday October 13th, from 2 PM-6 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be Monday 12 noon at the funeral home with Pastor Robby Neidlinger officiating. Final resting place will be Hillside Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Summa Cooper Cancer Center or Summit County Humane Society.

To share a memory of Toni or leave a special message for her family, visit the guest book below.