Obituaries

Ruthann "Ruthie" Smith

November 22, 1933 - October 01, 2022

Text:

Obituary For Ruthann "Ruthie" Smith

DEFOREST—Ruthann Smith, age 88, passed away on October 1, 2022. She was born on November 22, 1933 in Bristol to the late Gilbert and Ruth (Quamme) Derr. Ruthann was a graduate of Columbus High School. She was united in marriage to Eldon Smith on July 9, 1956. She attended countless sporting events over the years and always enjoyed being surrounded by her children and grandchildren for family celebrations. Ruthann and her sisters will be lovingly remembered as the Bristol Belles.

For those who knew Ruthie, she was an energetic person who had a real zest for life and playing games. Although sheepshead was her card game of choice, she was always ready for a game of cribbage, dominos, double-deck euchre, solitaire or dice. Enjoying life was her passion and she remained active until she could no longer join her friends for weekly card games and gambling trips.

Ruthann is survived by her children, Clifton (Colleen), Grant (Lacinda), Larry (Norma), Rhonda (Kevin) Gilbertson, Neil (Susan), Daryl (Shaunde), Amy (Tim) Pfeil; 13 grandchildren, Devlin (Greg), Rachel (James), Matt (Chrissy), Ben (Lacy), Garrett (Olivia), Adam (Tracy), Courtney (Josh), Alec, Jason (Dawn), Carrie, Abby (Alex), Chambree, Neeleigh and 16 great grandchildren.

A private family service will be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 followed by a celebration of Ruthie’s life at Rude’s Lanes in DeForest from 4-6 pm.

The family would like to thank Ryan Funeral Home of DeForest and Chaplain David Brynelson. The family also sends a special thank you to Ruthie’s hospice care team (Patti, Lisa, Laura, Andrew and Aubrie) who will be remembered for their compassion, patience, guidance and sense of humor as her health declined. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to ProMedica Heartland Hospice.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services Windsor/DeForest Chapel 6924 Lake Road 608-846-4250

Services

12 Oct

Celebration of Life

04:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Rude's Lanes 210 E. Holum Street DeForest, WI 53532 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • October 09, 2022

    I remember clearly her laugh and her spunk. I loved that she would get on a plane to go gambling, sometimes on her own! She loved life and didn't let things keep her from living her life to the fullest. I wonder what games she's playing in heaven!. My sympathies to all of her family; she lived a life worth celebrating. Judy Quamme Conlin

  • October 08, 2022

    My deepest sympathy to the entire Smith family. I am very sorry for your loss. My fondest memory was sitting with her watching Grant wrestle vs. UWSP for the Badgers when I was in college at Point. She sure was a "super fan" of kids & grands! God Bless, Paul R. Blackmon

  • October 06, 2022

    Great memories of Ruth, Al and the whole Smith family growing up as neighbors on Hwy K. We are so sorry for your loss, Ruthie was always fun! Tom & Lisa Schoenmann

  • October 05, 2022

    Prayers to all the family RUTHIE YOU WILL BE VERY MUCH MISSED LITTLE LADY KEEP PLAYING CARDS JOSIE AND JOHN

  • October 05, 2022

    Rest in peace. Great fun playing cards with you And my mom Betty Timm. My sincere condolences 🙏

  • October 05, 2022

    Our sincere condolences for your loss, Ruthie was a sweetheart I will always remember from my school days with her children. May she rest in Peace. Charles Amundson and Family

  • October 05, 2022

    Bill and I remember your Mom and Dad from Norway Grove Bar. Had a lot of great times out there good memories and Ruthie and Eldon were good people. Sorry for your loss and may she RIP. Bill and Rita Bliese

  • October 04, 2022

    Ruthie always had a smile...... lots of memories! Love and hugs. Kristen Quamme Miller

Tributes

  • Sweet Tranquility Basket

    Sweet Tranquility Basket was sent for Ruthann "Ruthie" Smith - October 12, 2022

  • Fall Fantasia

    Fall Fantasia was sent for Ruthann "Ruthie" Smith - October 06, 2022

Add a Candle

Click a candle below to add a candle to your message.

Loading...
what our families say

Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

Madison North East

2418 N. Sherman Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Tel: 608-249-8257

Madison West

5701 Odana Road
Madison, WI 53719
Tel: 608-274-1000

Verona

220 S. Enterprise Drive
Verona, WI 53593
Tel: 608-845-6625

DeForest / Windsor

6924 Lake Road
DeForest, WI 53532
Tel: 608-846-4250