Obituary of Patricia Ann Smith

Patricia “Patti” Ann Smith (née Ross), 72, of Phillipsburg, New Jersey passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side on May 21, 2023. A master Rice Krispies treat maker and a most thoughtful and accepting person, Patti was born on April 2, 1951 in Patterson, New Jersey to the late Eleanor and Arthur Ross. Patti grew up in Asbury, New Jersey and graduated from Warren Hills High School in 1969. Shortly after her graduation she married the love of her life William Smith on February 13, 1971, and went on to live in Germany and travel to other countries and states with Billy while he finished his time in the Army.  Patti and Billy had one daughter, Melanie, who Patti would say “was the best thing that she ever did.” For many years Patti proudly and famously worked for the Shoprite of Greenwich and was always a ray of sunshine giving out hugs and conversing with her fellow co-workers and customers at the grocery store. 

Patti leaves behind a legacy of genuine love and hopefulness. And anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her knows that she had nothing but a big open heart, a warm welcoming smile, and great hugs to share with the world. Patti would say “You need to care about everyone,” which she did with style and grace. 

Patti loved spending as much time as she could with her family.  Whether  gathering at her home or  going to concerts and other events, she always wanted to make sure she was there for everyone.  At home, she loved to putter around the house, watch movies with “Mr. Bill”, take naps and cuddle with her baby dogs, and bird watch from her kitchen windows.  Whenever there was a meteor shower she would stay up outside to count the meteors, and whenever it was snowing she would text her family to say “it’s snowing!”

Patti is irreplaceable and will be forever missed by her husband of 52 years, Bill Smith, daughter Melanie Smith, sister Margaret Parisi, brother Michael Ross and family, brother Joseph Ross and family, brother John Ross and family, Grand-Dogs Waldo and Moon, and by many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.  

Patti is predeceased by her parents Arthur and Eleanor Ross, sister Judith Ficken, and by her sister Eileen Ross. 

In lieu of flowers donations in Patti’s memory may be made to the Center for Animal Health and Welfare located at 1165 Island Park Road, Easton, Pennsylvania, 18042, or online at www.healthyanimalcenter.org . 

A Memorial Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Friday May 26, 2023 from 4 p.m.  until 7 p.m. at Knoll-DeVoe Funeral Home and Cremation Service located at 142 West Washington Avenue, Washington, New Jersey, 07882.