Ruth E. Smith

DWIGHT – Ruth E. Smith, 85, of Dwight, passed away at 12 a.m. Friday, July 13, 2018, on her birthday, at Heritage Health in Dwight.

Ruth was born July 13, 1933 in Kewanee, a daughter of Howard and Mildred (Hulstrom) Cox. She married Roy Lee Smith in July 1954. He passed away May 2, 2018.

She was born and raised in Kewanee and attended area schools. She enjoyed collecting cookbooks, and enjoyed her beloved dog, Stormy. Ruth was a loving mother, grandmother and will always be remembered for her work ethic and her storytelling ability. She will be greatly missed.

Surviving are her daughters, Linda (Valentino) Bravo of Chester, Sharon (Franklin) Smith of Dwight, Melanie (Gary) Bacino of Rockford, Laurie (Barry) Wilken of Tucson, Arizona, and Lisa (Tom) Fitzsimmons of Dixon; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brother, Jerris (Mary Kay) Cox of Terreverde, Florida; sister, Sandy Ready of Dixon; brother-in-law, Tommy (Sharon) Koger of Seneca; sister-in-law, Geraldine Knack of Minooka; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, John Cox; brothers-in-law, Jim Ready and Jean Smith; sisters-in-law, Verna Sexton and Mary Womack; one granddaughter, Brittany Wilken; and two children, John and Lynn Smith.

A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. July 23 at Daysville Cemetery in Oregon. Hager Memorial Home is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Visit hagermemorial.com to send condolences.