Ruth A. Smith, 89, of Knoxville, formerly of Hedrick, died at 8:55 p.m. March 5, 2025 at her home.

She was born June 29, 1935 in Hedrick at home to James Everett and Ethel Marie Deuser Ward. She married Ronald Wayne Smith February 20, 1954 and he preceded her in death September 13, 2004.

Growing up in Hedrick, Ruth graduated from Hedrick High School in 1953 and attended the Iowa School of Beauty in Ottumwa. Ruth operated her own beauty shop at the farm south of Hedrick until starting her family. She stayed home to raise her children and farmed along side her husband. Ruth also was a bookkeeper for her husband's tile and bulldozing business. She moved to Knoxville to be with family in October of 2022.

Ruth attended First Lutheran Church in Hedrick in her youth and later attended Bladensburg Christian Church. She was a member of the 24 Club in Hedrick.

Surviving are her children, Randy Smith of Hedrick, Brian Smith of Hedrick, Craig Smith of Ottumwa, Lynn Ann Smith Clark-Crouse of Knoxville and Todd (Alison) Smith of Westlake, TX; 8 grandchildren, Brandi (Joe) Bishop of Bondurant, Megan (Matt) Laban of Glen Rose, TX, Alex (Amanda) Smith of Grandbury, TX, Ben Smith of West Lafayette, IN, Breanna (Cory) Reuter of Ankeny, Kayloni (Jordan) Langley of Ankeny and Kyle (Tiana) Smith of Bondurant; 5 step-grandchildren, Debbie (Ed) Cummings of Norman, OK, Cindy (Chad) Hines of Knoxville, Amy (Jeff) Spurgeon of Ottumwa, Tyler (Alex) Crouse of Carlisle, PA and Mycaela (Kyle) Frieschlag of Wellman; 14 great-grandchildren; many step-great grandchildren; and many great-great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Karen (Bob) Petefish of Des Moines and Reta Brown of Winterset; sisters-in-law, Barb Ward and Mary Smith; brother-in-law, Marlin (Mary) Smith; and her caregiver for the past few years, Dodi (Scott) Collins and their family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Corey Jacob Smith; a step-grandson, James Steven Crouse; sons-in-law, Warren Wayne Clark and Steven Mike Crouse; a sister, Kathren Cramer; 2 brothers, Clair Ward and Rex Ward; along with several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Visitation will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 9th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 10th at Reece Funeral Home with Larry Smith officiating. Burial will be in Deuser Cemetery.

Memorials made be made to Bladensburg Christian Church.

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