Thelma Irene Smootz, 89, of Port Republic, MD passed away on April 30, 2021 in Callaway, MD.

Thelma Irene Smootz was born on April 22, 1932 in a quaint country home in Jerome, Virginia.  She passed peacefully in her sleep at the age of 89 years old on April 30, 2021.  She was the loving wife of John Smootz to whom she was married 63 years.

Thelma retired from her job as a cafeteria worker for Calvert County Public schools at the age of 81. Before moving to Calvert County, she lived a majority of her adult life in Prince Georges County.  She was a homemaker and mother prior to working in the school system.  As a young lady she also worked at Children’s Hospital in Washington, DC.

Thelma was a feisty and loving woman and will be dearly missed by all that knew her.

Thelma is predeceased by her parents, Ira Monroe Miller and Sadie Caroline Miller; and, her siblings, Lawrence Miller, Andrew Miller, Wilma Miller, Guy Miller, Mervin Miller, Arlington Miller, Eunice Miller, Homer Miller and Carl Miller.  She is also predeceased by her daughter Deborah A. Crossley.

She is survived by her husband John K. Smootz (98); her children, Sharon Cline; Thomas Crossley and wife Suzanne; Ramona Moore and husband Russell; Betty Maher and husband Michael; and, Charles Smootz and wife Deborah; 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday June 12, 2021 at the Rausch Funeral Home, 4405 Broomes Island Rd, Port Republic, MD 20676 from 12-1 PM with a memorial service to follow.  The memorial service will be livestreamed on funeral home’s Facebook page.  The family is requesting donations to individual favorite charities in lieu of flowers please.