Reba Smith

Miss Reba Alice Smith, age 90, of Clay Center, Kansas “fell asleep in Christ” (1 Cor. 15:12-20) Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at the Clay County Medical Center in Clay Center. She was born April 20, 1928 at the Arizona Deaconess Hospital, Maricopa County, Phoenix, Arizona to Bernard and Vivian Smith. Raised in California by her Grandparents, Edward and Denah Schwartz, she became an accomplished accordionist at a very early age. She went on to become a certified Teacher under the auspices of The American Accordionist’ Association in October of 1946. She was awarded a diploma from the Howell-Aretta Conservatory of Music, Los Angeles, Californian, conferring upon her the degree of MASTER TEACHER OF THE ACCORDION, February 6, 1947. By February 6, 1947 she had completed training to attain the level of AFFILIATED INSTRUCTOR OF MUSIC. She was a member of The American Accordionists’ Association and The Accordion Teachers Guild. Reba performed with the Rocky Simmons Band among others in her lifetime.  During W.W. II Reba worked as a “Rosie the Riveter.” Because she was small enough, she could get up under the instrument panels and work on wiring! She loved to tell about those experiences.Reba received her Certificate in Social Services on June 18, 1965 from the University Extension of the University of California. During her career as a Social Worker in California and Kansas she received numerous awards and tirelessly pursued continuing education and never shied away from the challenges presented to her in the Lord’s providence. During her time in Kansas she served in various special needs and aging programs. As a Social Worker she advanced to posts such as administrative assistant, appeals coordinator and area supervisor for six years with Green Thumb, Inc., a senior community service employment program. She was even elected to the city council of Longford on April 2, 1991 and, again, on April 6, 1993. She assisted Longford in establishing a Senior Citizens Community Center, submitting a grant proposal for Title III-B funding under the Older American Act. Reba gave distinguished service during her many years on the Clay County Task Force on Aging. In September of 2017 she received the “Sensational Sunflower from Clay County” award at the Salina Sunflower Fair! She has no survivors and was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.Reba came to faith in Christ at an early age in California, attended a Catholic school in her youth, was nurtured in Dispensational doctrines in the formative years of her walk with Christ and later in life came to embrace the “Reformed Faith” with a maturing understanding of Scripture. She was baptized and received into the communicant membership of the Hebron Reformed Presbyterian Church on April 24, 2007. She ably conducted a weekly Bible Study at Parkview Plaza for years on Thursday afternoons. She delighted in playing her accordion at nursing homes in the area and was a member of the Animas Club of Idana. She loved her Savior and Lord Jesus deeply, longing for His appearing again upon the clouds of glory. She is now at rest with Him in His glorious presence! Services will be conducted at the Hebron R. P. Church, Clay Center, Kansas at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 1, 2018, Rev. Daniel Hemken, Officiating. A brief, graveside service will follow at the Hebron RPC Cemetery. Visitation is from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. this evening, Friday, August 31, 2018 at Neill, Schwensen , Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center.Please send memorial contributions in “Reba’s” memory to the Hebron Reformed Presbyterian Church of Clay Center, 1328 Goodin Drive, Clay Center, KS 67432, ATTN: Rev. Daniel Hemken, Pastor (319) 931-2042.