Ruth L. Smith

Ruth L. Smith, 97, of Linn, KS, and formerly of Washington, KS, died Monday, August 13, 2012 at the Linn Community Nursing Home. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 16 at the United Methodist Church, Washington. Pastor Randy Jellison-Knock officiated. Sheila Ouellette played the organ while Dr. James Smart sang "The Old Rugged Cross" and "How Great Thou Art." The pallbearers were Clay Parker, Erik Parker, Jon Lehman, Nick Lehman, James Henley and Mike Henley. The honorary pallbearers were Tanya VanWey, Cindy Massie, Valerie McClellan and Victoria Parker. Burial was in the Greenleaf City Cemetery. Ruth was born June 12, 1915 near Frankfort, KS, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Kienest) Twidwell. She attended school and graduated from Frankfort High School in 1931. Ruth taught at country schools near Frankfort. In 1937, she married James Henley. To this union three children were born. They later divorced. Ruth ran the grocery store and locker plant in Greenleaf until later moving to Washington. She worked as a certified nurse’s aide at the nursing home and hospital. For several years she ran a private nursing home out of her home. She enjoyed playing pinochle and pitch, traveling, spending time with her family, and ice cream and chocolates. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Church Women and a card club. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Larry Henley; son-in-law, Phillip Parker; and sister, Vera Brooks. Survivors include two daughters, Carol Sue Parker, Washington, KS, and Sharon (Ramey) Lehman, Clay Center, KS; daughter-in-law, Judy Henley, Lake of the Ozarks, MO; ten grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. A memorial fund has been established and will be designated by the family at a later time. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth L. Smith, please visit our flower store.