July
11, 1942 - July 13, 2008MISHAWAKA - Ruth Lynn Smith, 66, of Mishawaka, IN, passed away in her residence at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 13, 2008. She was born on July 11, 1942, in Burbank, CA, to J. Robert and Marjorie (Stine) McClelland. On August 16, 1964, she married Alvin R. Smith at the Hillsdale Church in Kokomo, IN. Al survives along with their children, Anita (Kevin) Weaver of Mishawaka, Susan Smith of Mishawaka, Lorelee (Dan) Friend of Joliet, IL, and Byron (Anne) Smith of Mishawaka; two grandchildren, Bowen and Byron Smith; her mother, Marjorie McClelland of Elkhart, IN; two brothers, Robert (Donna) McClelland of Forest City, IA, and Frank (Becky) McClelland of Elkhart. Ruth taught in the Penn Harris Madison School Corporation from 1964 until 1970 and the Mishawaka School Corporation from 1991 until 2000. She was the first Mishawaka High School girls volleyball coach in 1976 and a longtime volleyball official. Ruth was a member of the College Park Missionary Church where she had served in numerous positions over the years. She had been the church treasurer for over 12 years. As a mother and a teacher she was very proud of the academic achievements of her four children. Memorial contributions may be made to the College Park Missionary Church, 2014 Liberty Drive, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Bubb Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.
Published in the South Bend Tribune on 7/15/2008