Ruth Elaine Smith of Dale passed away in Hermiston on April 28, 2020 at the age of 84.
She was born on April 10, 1936 in Lingle, Wyo. to Ralph Oren and Mary “Ellen” Hattan Dillon.
Ruth married Lennie “Jack” Smith on Oct. 13, 1951 and then again on Jan. 22, 1960. She was the mother of Jeanne, Cherri, Wynell, Otis and Esther, and she helped raise her husband’s nephew, Joseph Tuning.
Ruth lived in the Ukiah-Dale area since 1966. She worked for the Ukiah Forest Service as a temporary forest service technician and a road crew laborer. She used a chainsaw to clean ditches and culverts. We were all proud of her ability to use a chain saw. She was still using a chain saw last summer to cut her own firewood. One of her main accomplishments was working as a sawyer at the Ukiah Mill.
Ruth loved painting and gardening all-organic flowers, vegetables and herbs. She never sought recognition, but she loved creating and giving jean valor quilts (over 100) to service men and women. She delighted in the giving of warmth and love to everyone. Her last day of sharing with us was on April 28, 2020. We will forever miss you!
She is survived by her children, Jeanne and husband Steve Munkers, Cherri Smith, Wynell and husband Gary Roberts, Otis and wife Penny Smith and Esther Smith; 14-year companion, John Ralph Snow; brother, Dwight Dillon; 17 grandchildren; two step great grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lennie “Jack” Smith in 1999; brothers, Lawrence Melvin Dillon in 1930, Clarence Glen Dillon in 1933 and Raymond Oren Dillon in 2011; sister, Ada Jane Couch in 2017; great granddaughter, Kanatha LeeAnne Soper in 2008; nephew, Joseph A. Tuning in 1990; and her special friend, Roberta Bennett in 2019.
A memorial will be held later this summer in Ukiah after the social distancing requirements have been minimized.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
