Ruth Smith

Ruth Mae (Jones) Smith, age 92, of Paola, passed away peacefully on September 4 at Delmar Gardens, Overland Park, Kansas. She was born April 29, 1917 in Linneus, Missouri, the fourth child and only daughter of Maude E. (Foster) and George Curtis Jones. She attended grade school in Overbrook, Kansas, high school in Walnut, Kansas, and cosmetology school in Joplin, Missouri. On June 10, 1940 she married her partner of 62 years, Ken (G. K.) Smith. Together, they reared seven children and started a refrigeration, heating and air conditioning business, G. K. Smith and Sons, that two sons and two grandsons continue to run today. Ruth was a country girl at heart and valued the simple pleasures of home and family. Her family was her crowning achievement. She took pride in their varied interests, minor and major accomplishments, and in the people they became. When she suffered a debilitating stroke in 1970, her youngest child was six. She became a role model for others, bearing her physical disability for 39 years with grace, acceptance, great perseverance and adaptability. She found others" plights worse than her own and counted her blessings. She turned to needlework and painting, creating an artistic legacy for her family. She traveled nationally and internationally, loving Jamaica best. Quiet and unassuming to the end, she loved pink roses, Irish music, and a good chuckle. She looked forward to being reunited with her great love, Ken. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Clarence, Everett and Foster Jones; one grandson, Steve Dehlic; and her husband, Ken. Surviving are her children, Kathy Dehlic of Olathe; Ken (Millie) Smith of Paola; George (Roxanne) Smith of Salt Lake City, Utah; Les (Cathie) Smith of Paola; Barbara (Eric) Mainz of Goddard; Dale Smith of Paola; Dave (Melissa) Smith of Overland Park; fifteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. A rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Paola, with a visitation to follow from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass celebrating Ruth"s remarkable life will be held Wednesday, Sept. 9 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Paola. Memorials in her name may be made to Lakemary Center or Holy Trinity School Endowment, both of Paola. To leave a special message for the family, go to www.penwellgabelpaola.com. Special thanks to the staffs at Vintage Park, Paola, Delmar Gardens and Odyssey Hospice for their compassionate care. Ruth will remain an inspiration to her family for her courage, unfailing faith in God and generous spirit. No need to weep for Ruth: she is dancing in the arms of her husband. Holy Trinity Catholic Church- Paola Service: Wednesday, September 09, 2009 10:00 AM Visitation: Tuesday, September 08, 2009 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM