Ruth Winifred Smith Strong, 86, previously of Lawrence Park, passed away peacefully Friday, February 10, 2012 at the Sullivan County Adult Care Center in Liberty, New York. She had resided in the Erie area for most of her life. Born in Waterford on May 26, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Merle M. and Celia Himrod Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Richard H. Smith of Harborcreek.

Strong, Ruth Winifred SmithMrs. Strong graduated from Waterford Joint High School in 1942. She was the Lawrence Park Township Treasurer and Tax Collector from 1966 until her retirement in 1990 and she was an active member of the Erie County Republican Committee. She enjoyed quilting, knitting, and playing bridge.

Survivors include her five daughters: Judy Fleisher of Geneva, OH, Joyce Koerner of Tampa, FL, Pat Guglielmo of Conneaut, OH, Gayle Pulley of Rock Hill, NY, and Kim Strong of Harrisburg, PA. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be private for the family and will take place at the Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford followed by a private burial at the Waterford Cemetery.

To honor her life, memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.