Louise Ruth Smith, born Oct. 2, 1912, to the late George W. Smith and Louise Ross Smith of Marshall, passed away on Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at The Living Center in Marshall. Ruth lived most of her adult life in the Kansas City area, working in the fashion world, first for Hartzfelds and then Woolf Brothers.

She was a devoted daughter and sister to her brothers, Rep. James L. Smith, George Smith, and sister Ruby Bernardi, all of whom preceded her in death. Her sister-in-law, Mildred Smith, survives her of Marshall as well as a nephew, Skip Bernardi.

Aunt Ruth was adored by her surviving niece, Jamie Smith Jackson of Kilauea, Ha., and nephew, Clyde Smith of Santa Monica, Calif., as well as her greatnieces, Sadie, Jenna and Aspen.

The family asks for all donations to be made in her honor to the Marshall Public Library, a favorite place of hers.

Cremation. Arrangements are in care of Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Marshall, Mo.

The above is a paid obituary.