Obituary for Ruth Gardner Smith
Ruth Gardner Smith passed away on March 4, 2024. Born March 6, 1927 in Granton, Wisconsin to Adelbert L and Jessie (Little) Gardner, she married James F Smith on April 29, 1953 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He preceded her in death, passing away on December 11, 2011.
Surviving are 2 sons, James P. (Aprile) Smith, Pekin, Scott M. (Elaine) Smith, Pekin, and 2 daughters, Jill (Pat) Bingham, St. Peters, Mo., and Rachel (Mike) Schenck Surfside Beach, SC., grandchildren Lucas, Stacie, Nathan, Andrew, Peter, Austin, Cody, Alyssa and Jordan, along with great grandchildren Kailash, Jackson, Lily, Surya, Peyton and Nora. She was preceded in death by brothers Bryce E Gardner and Jack R Gardner, and sisters Hope Prescott and Marjorie Swyers.
A graduate of St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Marshfield Wisconsin, she had worked as a registered nurse in Wisconsin, California and Pekin Illinois. Even as she reached her 90’s, she was still giving medical advice to her family and making sure everyone was healthy. She loved working in her flower and vegetable garden all her life.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Father Michael Andrejek will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin. There will be no visitation. Cremation has been accorded at her request.
Memorials may be made to St Jude Midwest or the Salvation Army.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
To plant a tree in memory of Ruth Gardner Smith, visit the Tribute Store.
To plant a tree in memory of Ruth Gardner Smith, visit the Tribute Store.
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