Ruth Hall Smith, nee Hall, 86, of Sanibel, FL, died Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004 in St. Charles, IL, daughter of Albert Neely Hall and Bertha Cassidy; wife and life partner to Robert J. Smith; survived by four children, Greg, Gerald, Marilyn and Brian; nine grandchildren, Garrett, Justin, Michelle, Trevor, Renuka, Sally, Carly, Anneliese and Nina; two great-grandchildren, Rachel and Gabrielle. Ruth epitomized entrepeneurship long before it was recognized as a female prerogative. She was a skilled writer, artistically talented, absolutely honorable in her business dealings and willing to take on any challenge necessary to ensure success. Ruth’s energies and determination to succeed were seemingly boundless. Ruth participated in many diverse affiliations. She was a member of the Fox Valley Garden Club, the Chicago Press Club, Who’s Who in America and served as a Republican committee-person, attending three Presidential Inaugurations. Some of her favorite pastimes included photography, gardening and flower-arranging. She was a perennial entrant in both the photography and garden competitions of the Kane County Fair in Illinois. Ruth spent the final years of her life assisting others in hardship and crisis whether they were children from the world’s poorest countries or her own children. Ruth remained steadfast in her faith in God and that all things were possible with hard work and love. Throughout her life, Ruth possessed great curiosity, originality, dignity and grace along with a special sense of the divine in all living things. Those closest to her will remember her for her kindness, generosity and unwavering devotion. Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 24, 2004 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Yurs-Wittenberg Funeral Home, 1771 W. State Street (Route 38) in Geneva, IL 630-232-7337. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Congregational Church of Christ, near the corner of LaFox Road and Fox Mill Blvd. in far west unincorporated St. Charles, IL. Please contact her son Gerald Smith at 630-377-1546 for directions and additional information.
