Ruthie Smith

Ruthie Bernice Smith, 84, of Cape Girardeau passed away peacefully at her home Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer's.

She was born Aug. 7, 1937, in Manila, Arkansas, to Ellis Glen and Zerah Lee Harmon Mauldin. She and Gaylon G. Smith were married Aug. 27, 1955, in Bernie, Missouri. Together they worked Gaylon's way through college. They were partners in life for 66 years.

Ruthie attended the one-room Brady School through the eighth grade. During high school, Ruthie was baptized in a farm pond near Dexter, Missouri. The church baptistery was under repair. She graduated from Bernie High School in 1955, and she later enrolled in college and painting classes, based on her interests.

Ruthie loved decorating her homes. She also made oil and acrylic decorative paintings that she sold at various craft fairs. She knitted beautiful scarves by the dozen which she gave away to family and friends. In Effingham, Illinois, she started and operated her own home decorator shop, Accents Unlimited.

Ruthie loved and was loved. In addition to family and local friends, she loved and kept friends forever, though some were scattered from California to Ohio and Michigan and surrounding states.

Survivors include her husband, Gaylon Smith of Cape Girardeau, and a son, Bart Lind Smith of Chicago.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Sam and Loyce Mauldin; and two sisters, Glenda Mays and Ann C. Messer.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to Adrienne Armstrong and family for their long-term caring support. In addition to many caring friends and neighbors, special mention goes to the professional and caring staff of VNA Hospice of Southeast Missouri. Thank you, Rita, Sarah, JT, Brandy and Mendy.

Ruthie was an active supporter of the Amen Center, P.O. Box 159, Delta, MO 63744.

There will be no services.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home--Mount Auburn is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.