Ruth E. Smith

Ruth E. Smith, 88, of Ottawa, Kansas died on Monday, February 9, 2009. She was born on Sunday, May 9, 1920, in Princeton, Kansas. She was the daughter of James G. and Bessie L. (McFarlin)Tawney. She was a lifelong resident of Franklin County, Kansas. Ruth graduated from Princeton High School with the class of 1938. She worked for McVey Mortuary, Towner Funeral Home and Montgomery Ward, all of Ottawa, and assisted her husband with his residential home construction business in Kansas City, Anderson and Franklin Counties from 1940's to mid 1980's. She also sold Avon for thirty years and was a partner in their survey operation. Ruth was a member of Princeton Methodist Church and served on the Princeton Election Board. On January 25, 1947, Ruth was united in marriage with Ralph Smith in Ottawa, Kansas. He preceded her in death October 12, 1990. Survivors include: Nephew-Jim Tawney of Ottawa, Kan. Niece-Carolyn Pope of Ottawa, Kan. Nephew-Larry Tawney Nephew-Wayne Tawney Nephew-Darrold Tawney Niece-Marsha Tawney Niece-Evelyn Bell Niece-Glynice Pomykal Nephew-LaVonne Tawney Nephew-Melvin Tawney Nephew-Earl Tawney She was preceded in death by: Husband-Ralph Smith Father-James G. Tawney Mother-Bessie L. (McFarlin) Tawney Sister-Alice Atchison Brother-Warren Tawney Brother-Ernest Tawney Brother-Ralph Tawney Brother-Homer Tawney Brother-Lee Tawney SERVICES: Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2009, at Princeton Cemetery. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mrs. Smith at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 9:00 a.m. Wednesday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends 7:00 to 8:00 Wednesday evening. CEMETERY: Princeton Cemetery, Princeton, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Bea Martin Peck Animal Shelter or Princeton Methodist Church, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.