Ruth L. Smith

Ruth L. Smith, (nee Willis), 99, a longtime resident of Amherst, passed away peacefully Monday, November 10, 2025 at Vitalia Senior Living in Westlake.  She was born July 31, 1926 in Salineville, Ohio and named Valedictorian of her high school graduating class.  She attended Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and was a graduate of Youngstown State University. Her first vocal music teaching position was in the Milan Schools and retired as a vocal music teacher from Lorain Schools.  Family, music and church were big parts of her full and vibrant life.

Ruth and her family were members of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Elyria, where she sang in the church choir and served on the church Vestry.  She also sang with Lorain County Community Civic Chorale and attended many Cleveland Orchestra concerts.  She was also a big fan of Cleveland sports teams.

Ruth is survived by children, Kurt Smith (Leah), Karen Crnolatas (Mark, dec.), Victor Smith (Rochelle); grandchildren, Sasha Crnolatas and Abell Smith (Aubrey Lough) and a great grandchild, Saoirse Lough Smith.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward L. Smith in 1974 and parents, Victor and Anna Willis.

Friends will be received Friday, November 14, 2025 from 10:00 am until the time of an 11:00 am service at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 300 Third Street, Elyria with Reverend June Hardy Dorsey, Rector officiating.  Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cleveland Food Bank https://support.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org/site/Donation

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