Noritta J. Smith

Noritta J. Smith

ARKPORT – Noritta J. Smith, 89, entered into rest peacefully on Sunday (Nov. 3, 2024) at her home at Pine Knoll Park.

Born in North Hornell on Aug. 19, 1935 she was a daughter of the late Albert Kennell and Blanche (Roff) Eichorn. On July 19, 1952 she was married at the former Big Creek Methodist Church to Merlin L. Smith, who predeceased her on Oct. 10, 1997 after 45 years of marriage. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by her daughter, Dianne Kubiak, her son, Dean Smith; a daughter-in-law, Mary M. Smith and one brother, Donald Kennell.

A lifelong resident of the Hornell and Arkport area, Noritta was 16 years old when she graduated from Arkport Central School, class of 1952.

Throughout the years she was employed by the former ACME supermarket, the Hornell American Legion, the former Stubby’s Restaurant and Sunset Inn in Hornell and for about 20 years she owned and operated Noritta’s Country Kitchen in Arkport. After her “retirement” she became a “Lunch Lady” at the Arkport Central School where she made sure no child ever went hungry.

Noritta was well known for her cooking abilities. She was always cooking or baking something and loved to share it with family and friends.

She was extremely active with the Arkport community and volunteered for many activities, too numerous to mention.

A member of the Arkport Presbyterian Church, Noritta was an avid bingo and card player and especially enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and always made sure to attend all their activities.

She is lovingly survived by her three sons, Douglas Smith, Dwight Smith (Judith) all of Arkport and Jack Smith (Alexus) of Hopeton, VA; two daughters, Deborah (William) Saam of Fayetteville, NC and Dawn (Charlie) Sutfin of Hornell; 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Norman (Kathy) Kennell and Richard (Darla) Kennell all of Arkport; a brother/cousin, Charles Roff of Smithfield, VA; two sisters, Norma (John) Bly of Bath, NY and Linda Kennell of Arkport; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be an hour of calling from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 9, 2024) at the Arkport Presbyterian Church, 15 New Main St. where a funeral service will take place in her memory at 11 a.m. Saturday, with the Rev. Bruce Incze officiating. Immediately following the service everyone is invited to go directly to the Arkport American Legion, 1 Carter St. for a luncheon. Private interment will be in the Howard Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to either the Arkport Hose Company, P.O. Box 3, Arkport, NY or the Arkport Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 6, Arkport, NY 14807. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Noritta’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Noritta are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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