Obituary: Ruth (Murphy) Smith

MADISON - Ruth G. Smith, age 86, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004, at St. Marys Hospital. She was born on May 25, 1918, in Waunakee, the daughter of Joseph and Alice (King) Murphy. Ruth graduated from Madison Central High School and Madison Business College. and attended the University of Wisconsin. On May 4, 1940, Ruth was married to James W. Smith in Madison at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Ruth enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge and euchre. She also was an avid reader and could power through a series of Nora Roberts books in no time flat. She was a true Irish woman and had a very witty character. She is survived by her sons, William (Monica) Smith of Windsor, and Michael (Patti) Smith of Middleton; and her grandchildren Megan (Chad) Margenau of Sun Prairie, Melissa Smith of Atlanta, Ga., and Ray (Amiee) Rogers of Sun Prairie; two great-grandchildren, Payton and Chloe; and several nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, James; and her parents. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2004, at ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 404 E. Main St., Madison, at 9:30 a.m. with Father William Seipp celebrating. A visitation will be held at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5, 2004, and also again on Saturday from 9 a.m. until time of Mass. Ruth's family would like to extend their thanks to the doctors and nursing staff of St. Marys Hospital and to Ruth's special friend and niece, Pat Brickl, the bridge club, Alice, Laura and Ellen, her lifelong friend, Margaret (Peg) Tierney, and Virgina and Janet and all of Ruth's friends at Sherman Glen. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to a favorite charity. May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And rain fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the Hollow of His Hand. Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 4, 2004