Fredericka L. Smith

Fredericka “Ricky” Leinbach Smith died on Monday, July 20, 2026 after a long illness. She was the eldest of the three children of the Rev. Carl Swavely Leinbach and Madeline (Robinhold) Leinbach. She was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on January 21, 1936, where her father was the pastor of St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church. She graduated from Lehighton High School and Cedar Crest College Class of 1957 with a BA in Mathematics. Later, she earned a master’s degree in Elementary and Secondary Counseling from Millersville University. She married Harry Calvin Smith, an engineer for Pennsylvania Power and Light, in June 1957. Together they had four children: Rebecca F. Smith-Kevern of Gilbert, AZ; Rachel H. May of Dumfries, VA; Capt. David M. Smith, USN (dec.); and Daniel M. Smith (dec). Mrs. Smith was an accomplished choral musician, singing on church choirs throughout her life, attending District and State Chorus in high school, participating in the Cedar Crest College Concert Choir, St. John’s Episcopal Lancaster Church Choir, and, most recently, singing with the Homestead Village Chorale for several years. Before she had children, Mrs. Smith taught high school mathematics and science at Hazleton (PA) High School. In the early 1980s, she taught middle school math for a year, then served as a guidance counselor for the Solanco School District. As a long-time resident of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, she was a member, lector, lay chalice administrator, and Vestry Secretary for St. John’s Episcopal Church; a Girl Scout Leader; and volunteered for many years at Contact Lancaster as a counselor, trainer, and a first responder debriefer. She also volunteered at Homestead Village’s gift shop and kept track of volunteer hours. In addition to two children, Mrs. Smith is survived by her sister, Robin G. Lucey of Lancaster; and eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her brother, Dr. L. Carl Leinbach, of Gettysburg, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to The Water Street Mission, 210 S. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.