Ruthann Smith, 84, of Galesburg, died at 2:15 a.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in the emergency room of OSF St. Mary Medical Center.
She was born November 9, 1939, in LaHarpe, the daughter of Charles A. and Rowena (Blackhurst) Long. She married J.B. Smith on August 24, 1958, in Burlington, Iowa.
She is survived by her husband of over 66 years, J.B.; her children, Timothy J. (Lynne) Smith of Castle Rock, Colorado, William Larry (Kimberly) Smith of Temple, Texas, Richard Dean (Kathy Berry) Smith of Normal, and Cynthia Smith of Mathis, Texas; eight grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; and siblings, Charles Michael (Elaine) Long of Galesburg, Donna (Charlie) Weir of Liberty, Missouri, Albert Hardy (Nancy) Long of Macomb, Charlene (Harold Northrup) Peterson of Dallas City, and Dorn Luder of Dallas City. She was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Louie and Iva “Granny” Smith; a sister, Sidney Kline; and a sister-in-law, Sally Luder.
Ruthann graduated as Class Valedictorian from Stronghurst High School in 1957. Later, she graduated from the Cosmetology Program at Carl Sandburg College. She was a hairdresser for many years, first at Salon Supreme and later at her own shop, Ruthann’s Beauty Shop. She was a long-time, active member of First Christian Church in Galesburg. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star #235 of Galesburg and served as the Grand Marshall for Illinois in 2019. She enjoyed crocheting and spending time at the Mississippi River. Ruthann was a proud grandmother and loved her family dearly.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, October 14, 2024, at First Christian Church. Eastern Star services will be conducted at 11 a.m. followed by the funeral service. Rev. Martha-Jean Fitch will officiate the funeral. Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, the Knox County Humane Society, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Galesburg is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
