Edward Leland Smith

Edward Leland Smith, known to all as "Ed," passed away peacefully on October 5, 2024, at the age of 75. Born on July 28, 1949 to Arthur Freeman (1900-1959) and Catherine Lanpher (1910-2002), Ed was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather "Gpa", Brother, Uncle, and Friend who left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew him.

It didn't take a lot to make Ed happy in this life - an antique car show, a good meal out, a connection over conversation, and an ice-cold Pepsi were among the simple things that brought him joy.

After graduating from East Peoria Community High School in 1969, Ed proudly served his country as a Medical Corpsman in the U.S. Navy. He was on active duty from 1969 to 1971 and continued to serve in the reserves until 1974.

On September 23, 1972, Ed married the love of his life, Marie Elaine Ritthaler. They recently celebrated 52 wonderful years together, a partnership filled with love, laughter and mutual support.

For his career, Ed worked on the assembly line at Caterpillar for thirty years, retiring in 2002.

Ed's mischievous spark of humor, his willingness to help anyone in need, and his profound love for his family will be what people remember most about him. Ed is survived by his wife Marie Ritthaler Smith, three daughters and their spouses Joy (Shannon) Duling, Shelly (Donald) Montgomery, and Misty (Brant) Turnbull, six treasured grandchildren Alyssa Watt, Corbin Turnbull, Avery (Rayyan) Aldossary, MacKenzie (Robert) Siebert, Brooke Montgomery, and Khaiden Turnbull, his precious great granddaughter Jettlynn Turnbull, and honorary great granddaughter Kaylynn Gerard, sisters Shirley Stewart, Frieda Dotson, and Patricia Edwards, and brothers Gene Smith and Thomas Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers David Smith, Wayne Smith, Ronald Smith, Marvin Smith and sisters Joan Norwood, Kathyleen Smith, Linda Horsley, and Diane Belcher, and honorary grandson Jeff Gerard.

In honor of Ed's wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Instead, his family and friends will gather for a celebration of life to remember the good times and stories that made him who he was.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorials be made to the East Peoria Community High School Moms Who Care Program, an organization that Ed has supported for many years.