Ruth Eleanor Smith

Ruth Eleanor Smith, 96, after a life filled to the fullest, passed away August 8, 2014 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls with family by her side. She was born February 11, 1918 in Hamer, Idaho to Manford and Sarah Elizabeth Turman. She was the youngest of five children and grew up with lots of other relatives who also had homesteaded in the same area. Ruth graduated from high school in 1935, one of three graduates. On August 26, 1935, she married Howard Smith at Christ the King Church in Pocatello, Idaho. They lived and farmed in Hamer and became the parents of five boys and three girls. In 1959 they moved to Monteview, Idaho and Howard started working for Westinghouse at the Atomic Energy Commission site. After Howard retired they enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, traveling, and visiting relatives and friends. They shared 49 wonderful years together. After Howards death in 1984 Ruthie continued being involved in community activities; volunteering at the Mud Lake Senior Citizens Center she was presented The President’s Volunteer Service Award twice, she was the Grand Marshal at the Mud Lake Fair and Rodeo and was named Citizen of the Year by the Lions Club. She stayed busy doing the things she loved; traveling, crafting, playing cards and visiting with her friends. She moved to Idaho Falls in 2006 and resided at the home of her daughter, Mary, where the door was always open to her many visitors. Ruthie’s greatest joy was her children, grandchildren, relatives and friends. She enjoyed going on trips, cooking, she loved her flowers, hummingbirds, music and always a good joke. She was an inspiration and a great friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She will be missed. Ruth is survived by 6 children, 15 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 2 great -great grandsons. Her six living children are: Douglas Smith of Blackfoot, Ralph (Carla) Smith of Idaho Falls, Lois Takara (Tom) of Kapolei, Hawaii, Betty Speelmon (Jeff Sinclair) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Howard (Debbie) Smith of Anchorage, Alaska, and Mary Smith of Idaho Falls. Preceding her in death were her husband, Howard, sons, Sidney D. Smith and James A. Smith, her parents, sisters Eula Dee (Ralph) Helm and Rachel (Mel) Nielsen, brothers, Sam (Grace) Turman and Leonard (Louise) Turman. On Saturday, August 23, a Celebration of Life will be held at Eckersell Funeral Home 101 W. Main Street in Rigby, Idaho. The family will meet with friends and relatives from 9:45 until the service at 11:00 AM. There will be a private family burial at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to the Mud Lake Senior Citizen Center.