Cynthia Ann Smith passed away on February 11, 2023 at the age of 77. Cynthia was born on September 9, 1945 in Modesto, California to Pete and Mary (Casolo) Nepote. 

   She grew up in a military family she lived in various places in Southern California as a child before making her permanent home in Ripon.

Cynthia attended Ripon High School where she met Ron Smith. They were married in 1967. She worked at Franzia Winery and also packed peaches for Fields Farms, but her main job was being a wife and mom. Cynthia’s hobbies were sewing, knitting, crocheting, baking, yard work, home improvement projects, and doing crafts of all kinds. She also loved sheep and together Ron and Cynthia raised them and helped out with 4-H and FFA. Cynthia was also known as the Fire Mom at Ripon Fire Station 2. Family was important to Cynthia and she loved hosting holidays and calling family on their birthdays.

   Cynthia is survived by her children Gary and Debbie Smith and Chris and Angela Smith. Cynthia also leaves behind 4 granddaughters, Gianna Joy, Natasha Dean, Madison Elizabeth, and Natalie Deanna. Cynthia was blessed to have her immediate family all living within 2 miles of her. Cynthia is also survived by her brother, Robert Nepote, of Ripon and her sister, Rita Ford, of Oakdale. She was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Mary Nepote, and her loving husband of 42 years, Ron Smith.

   A celebration of life will be held at Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel on  Monday, February 20 at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will follow at Ripon Fire Station 2. Donations in Cynthia’s memory may be made to the Ripon Fire Department.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Wednesday, February 15, 2023