Wanetta Lynn Smith

Wanetta Lynn Smith, age 77 of Tallmadge, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026. She was born in Bays (Bear Pen Holler), WV on July 2, 1948.

Wanetta is survived by her husband of 30 years, Bruce Smith, along with her children Larry (Amanda) Crites, Eric (Debbie) Crites, Richard (Cheryl) Crites and Angela (Gary) Lowe; 5 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; sisters Cheryl (Ron) Schutte and Dawnretta Grogg; many nieces and nephews and their families.

In addition to her parents, Wanetta was preceded in death by her brother Gary Rose.

Wanetta graduated from Aultman Hospital as an LPN, and spent most of her career as a RN in the E.R. at St. Thomas Hospital, retiring after 35 years of service.

Wanetta was devoted to her children, and did her very best to provide for them and make them proud...and they couldn't be more so.

Wanetta had an unmatched love in her partner, Bruce, whom she met in 1981. They were married on June 16, 1995. Wanetta could be seen driving around town in whatever color car Bruce built for her, whether she had a say in it or not!

Wanetta was an avid photographer; she had pictures from every family and work event she'd ever attended. She loved to visit the beach, bury her toes in the sand, and had a particular knack for making dribble sandcastles.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44305 on Tuesday, February 17th from 10:30 a.m. until the funeral service that begins at 12:30 p.m. A committal service will follow at Hillside Memorial Park, where Wanetta will be laid to rest. To leave a special message for her family, please visit the guest book below.