Leda Henrietta Smeltzer, 98, a resident of Center Care Nursing Home, died peacefully on Friday, August 5, 2022. Born September 21, 1923 in Bigler, PA she was the daughter of Mitchell Rinehart and Verda Hubler Rinehart.
On June 22nd 1943, in Conway SC, 3 days before his WWII deployment to Europe, she married, Russell E. Smeltzer, her high school sweetheart and best friend. They were married for 67 years before his death on February 23, 2010. Leda is survived by her children, Jerry Smeltzer and his wife Nancy of Canton, OH; Karen Dixon and her husband Dan of Spring Mills, PA; Scott Smeltzer and his wife Deanna of Sterrett, AL; grandchildren, whom she loved deeply: Hallie Biro (Eric), Matthew Smeltzer, Nicki Shunk (Corby), Shannon Arney (Nate), Emily Neideigh (Derek), Amanda Hayden (Michael), Sara Gagliano (Anthony), and Olivia Smeltzer; nine precious great grandchildren: Eric Biro, Brooke Biro, Alicia Smeltzer, Nathan Smeltzer, Baylor Shunk, Colten Shunk, Rylee Arney, Gavin Neideigh and Karli Neideigh.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a great grandson Ryker Arney, five sisters, Marian Jury, Lois Boyd, Kate Reigh, Madeline Bilger, Maxine McClarren/Horner and one brother Clifford Rinehart.
Leda was a 1942 graduate of State College High School. Over the years Leda worked at Temple Market and later at Centre Daily Times. She was co-owner with her husband of R.E. Smeltzer Equipment Company of Centre Hall, PA. In addition to raising children she also kept track of the administrative and financial duties for the business. She cherished her family and treasured the roles of loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She warmed the souls of her family with her kindness and prayers. Her spiritual strength will be missed.
Leda loved the Lord and was an active member of the Woodycrest United Methodist Church for 85 years. She served as a Sunday School teacher for the youth and held numerous committee positions over the years. She was a Den Mother for Cub Scouts, a leader in 4H and PTA. She was involved as a leader in United Methodist Women’s Groups, as well as, Women’s Midday Connection of State College. Leda was also a visitation volunteer for the physically disabled girls of Laurelton State Village Hospital. She enjoyed visiting the Centre County Grange Fair into her late 90’s.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the many friends who took time to care and look in on her during her stay at the Mount Nittany Residence of State College, PA.
Friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA and also from 9-10 a.m. Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at the funeral home. The funeral services will follow at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Renee Ford presiding. Burial will be at Centre County Memorial Park, 1032 Benner Pike, State College, Pa.
Contributions in her memory can be made to Woodycrest United Methodist Church, 219 Clearview Ave, State College, Pa. 16801. They can be designated for the “In his Service Care Group”