Ruth E. Smith
October 24, 1937, Friday, March 25, 2023
Ruth Evangeline Smith, age 85, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on March 25, 2023 in Fishers, IN. She was born on October 24, 1937 in Hutchinson, KS to the late Rev. Paul N. and Rev. Leah (Parker) Isgrigg. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Dr. David Lee Smith, and her sister, Helen Baldwin. She will be deeply missed by her two sisters- Irene Klimek and Rachel Polley; and her three sons – Scott (Pam) of Seneca, SC, Drs. Craig (Connie) of St. Johns, MI, and Wesley (Janet) of Fishers, IN; as well as 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Ruth graduated from Eastern Hancock High School in Charlottesville, IN in 1955. She furthered her education in 1979, receiving her bachelor’s degree in Christian Education from United Wesleyan College in Allentown, PA and later, her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1981. In 1985, she completed her master’s degree in Elementary Education at Ball State University, and in 1986 with a Computer Endorsement.
Ruth lived out many of her dreams as a pastor’s wife (Churubusco, IN and Indianapolis, IN) and as a supportive professor’s wife (Frankfort Pilgrim College in Frankfort, IN, then United Wesleyan College, in Allentown, PA, and finally Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, IN). She was one of the first elementary school teachers in Indiana to teach computer programming to elementary school students in Valparaiso, IN. She started “Cherish the Children” childcare in Gas City, IN. Ruth was a children’s Sunday school teacher at College Wesleyan Church in Marion, IN. She volunteered for various compassion ministries and traveled to numerous countries (Ukraine, Croatia, Japan and India) on short-term missions. Throughout her life, she often opened her home and offered hospitality to hundreds of guests.
Visitation will be held from 12 noon to 2 pm on Friday, April 7, 2023 at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral and Cremation Service, Storey Chapel 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN
Immediately following the visitation, a funeral service to honor Ruth’s life will be held at 2 pm with Rev. Paul Boss officiating. Internment will take place in Grant Memorial Park in Marion, IN.
Memorial donations may be made to World Hope International, ATTN Gift Processing P.O. Box 743794, Atlanta, GA 30374-3794 worldhope.org/give.
Online condolences may be shared at www.nswcares.com.