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.

Smith, Ruth LulaRuth 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.