Ruth Smith

April 20, 2005, Ruth C. Smith, beloved mother and grandmother, joined our Lord after a struggle to recover from a lengthy illness. Ruth passed away at Home Place Special Care Center in Oak Harbor.

She was born at home on May 17, 1920, to Guy Harrison Bortz and Lulu Mae Lyngrin Bortz. She was raised in Arnold, Pa., attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School, and graduated from Arnold High School in 1939. June 22, 1940, she married Marion C. Smith, Sr., who was employed by the Aluminum Co. of America, New Kensington, Pa. In 1943 her husband was called, as were many other men during World War II, to serve his country. Ruth was left alone to care for their two daughters until he returned and the war was over. Ruth and Marion went on to raise five children.

Ruth’s children were the most important things in her life and she showed this through her devotion to them and the many sacrifices she made just to be sure their needs were met. Her loving nature, her strength and wisdom were just some of the qualities that she would instill in her children, preparing them for the rest of their lives.

Ruth’s love of her own children was echoed throughout her life and reflected as a loving grandmother and at any time she saw or came in contact with children. Her love for all children was always obvious through the smile that would beam from her face and the twinkle in her eye from the joy she would get from just seeing a baby or a small child.

Ruth will also be missed for her wonderful sense of humor and her ability to make those around her laugh. Affectionately known as “Ruthie” at Harbor Tower Village in Oak Harbor, she made several friends in her last year while residing there. Her personality and humor were some of her endearing qualities for which she will be remembered.

She was preceded in death by her infant daughter “Baby Smith,” Nov. 8, 1941, parents Guy and Lulu Mae Bortz, husband Marion C. Smith, Sr. May 13, 1992, and by sisters Laura Ozepy and Evelyn Artuso.

Ruth leaves behind her siblings, Guy Bortz of Tennessee, Leonard Bortz of Florida and Marguerite Hoover of California; her children, Ruth E. Smith of Wheeling, W.V., Marian D. Collier of Silver Spring, Md., William D. Smith of Leechburg, Pa., Marion C. Smith, Jr., of Oak Harbor and Daniel D. Smith, Sr., of Rainier, Wash.; eight grandchildren, David Smith, Cathie Winffel, Douglas Anderson, Kelly Saines, Jeffrey Smith, Jennifer Lashua, Daniel D. Smith, Jr., and H. Travis Smith; nine great-grandchildren, Amber Smith, Max, Abbigail and Alexandra Winffel, Madeline and Jack Saines, Dakota and Brayden Smith and Anna Lashua.

Memorial services will be held for family members at the Union Cemetery in Arnold, Pa. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made by phone or mail to Children’s Hospital of Seattle (Children’s Greater Needs), P.O. Box 50020, Seattle, WA 98145—(206)987-4844, or to a charitable organization of choice.