RUTH ELSIE SMITH, 79, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at Galicia Heart Hospital in Wichita.

Born on April 28, 1935 in Rochester, New Hampshire, she was the daughter of Raymond and Charlotte (Betz) Ritchie. She received her education in Rochester and helped take care of her family at a young age.

She was united in marriage on May 14, 1955 to John Smith in Massachusetts and the couple would later divorce. Ruth had resided in Winfield since 1959 and was a homemaker. She also cleaned houses and worked at Good Samaritan Village.

Ruth attended the Grace United Methodist Church and enjoyed cooking and sewing.

Her family includes:
Her sons: John Smith Jr., and wife Brenda, and David Smith and wife Renie all of Winfield, KS;
Her brother: Richard Ritchie of Westfield, MA;
Her sister: Betty of Massachusetts;
Her grandchildren: Amanda, Afton, Levi and Johni; and
Her great-grandchildren: Jacob, Alian, and Mason.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, JoAnn White and her sister Sylvia.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., Friday, May 2, 2014 and the family will greet friends during that time.

A memorial has been established in Ruth's name for the American Diabetes Association. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.