Ruth Lula Smith, age 83, went to meet her Lord Friday, February 15, 2013 surrounded by her family. Ruth lived in Townville and the Cambridge area for most of her life and for the past year was a resident of Wesbury United Methodist Community. Born on February 17, 1929 in Rockdale Township, Crawford County, she was the only daughter of Paul and Lula Willey Lenox. She married Ralph Smith October 22, 1948 who preceded her in death in 2004.
Ruth was a member of the Brown Hill United Methodist Church for over 70 years and was very active there playing the piano, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was active in the United Methodist Women and served as president of the Erie-Meadville District. Her memberships included the Townville Pierian Club. A very talented seamstress, she made the gowns for many weddings. Also well known was her baking ability and everyone in the Townville area looked forward to receiving a pan of her sticky rolls! Ruth was a wonderful mother, a devoted homemaker, and an extremely gracious hostess welcoming everyone to her home.
As her time came to an end on this earth, she asked her children to come and be with her and told them, with a knowing glow of peace on her face, that she soon was going to be with her Lord.
She is survived by three daughters – Cheryl Sedlak and her husband, Tom of Meadville; Connie Gibbons and her husband, Ron of North East; Cressa Harsh and her husband, Brian of Shakleyville; and one son – Dennis Smith and his wife, Toni of Erie; eight grandchildren – Kristen (Stephen) Cihon, Laurel & Jeremiah Gibbons, Jackie & Jenna Harsh, and Hannah, Christopher and Madison Smith; and one great-grandchild – Noah. She is also survived by her brother – William Lenox and his wife, Jane of Cambridge Springs; a sister-in-law – Martha Livermore and her husband, Dale of Brookville; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Friends are invited to the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Monday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. and to a funeral service on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. to be held at the Brown Hill United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be conducted by Reverend Livermore, Reverend Christopher Livermore, and Reverend Pat Lenox, each an United Methodist minister and a member of the family. Interment will be in Millers Station Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice or instead to purpose in your heart to be a blessing to a shut-in.
The family gives their many thanks to the people who visited their mother and to whoever may have sent cards to brighten her day! Thanks also is given to the staff of Wesbury United Methodist Community for their loving care.
I am so sorry to read of her passing. To all the members of the family, know that I pray for God’s peace to comfort you at this sad time. My thoughts are with you all.
From all the staff at Dr Gerald Larochelle’s office we send our sympathies. Ruth was a wonderful person. Our thoughts are with her family.
We are sorry for your loss. May the lord comfort you and keep you in his wonderful care each day. May he bless you and keep you always.
We are so sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing, but we also rejoice in her Eternal homecoming. She was a woman of grace and hospitality who loved her Lord, loved her family, and extended that love to others. This will be the first year that I won’t get a birthday card from her. She always remembered my birthday and it brought a smile to my face and joy to my heart to remember her and to feel her love through that card! She and mom were dear friends, and I know Mom cherished her friendship. Our prayers are with each of you as you travel this journey of grief, but also as you celebrate her life here on earth and now her Eternal life.
Dear Cherrie, Connie, Denny & Cressa and their families,
What great memories of Ruth. Ruth was a very, very special Christian lady. She radiated love and kindness and was always so happy, her sense of humor was contagious! I loved her memories and stories of the past. She has a special place in my heart — I loved her and I know you will all miss her so much.
I am so sad we cannot be there today and tomorrow with all of you (we are in Florida). Love, and Prayers, Diana and Barney
Ruth was so good to my Mom & Daddy when both lived in Townville. Holiday goodies so special. We missed not seeing the lights in the house for so many months. You have our sympathy. Maxine and Jim Fiely
Dennis amd Connie,
So , sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Roxie ( ’78 )
To the Smith family: Over the years, Ralph & Ruth were ALWAYS good to my family & have remained friends for a LONG time. Also, as a young man, I was welcomed into The Smith’s home for conversation & looking at horses! I feel as though I am part of the Smith family! Patty & I send our sympathies to you during this time.
Many happy memories of the Smith family. We send our love to all – you are in our thoughts and prayers. Marjorie (McCullough) Landfried