Ruthanna S. (Stiles) Smith

Ruthanna S. (Stiles) Smith

Touched Many Lives -

Ruthanna S. (Stiles) Smith, age 81, of Carlisle, and formerly of Bethany Towers, Mechanicsburg, peacefully went home to her Heavenly Father with her family by her side on Saturday, April 28, 2018.  Ruthanna was born on Wednesday, October 14, 1936 in Highspire to the late Robert Stahler Stiles and Mary Alice (Cresswell) Stiles.  Ruthanna was the widow of William Henry Smith, whom she married on September 29, 1956, and who died on March 16, 2010.  In addition to her parents and husband, Ruthanna is preceded in death by her siblings: Charles Stiles, Mary Sipe, and Bobby Stiles.

Ruthanna’s survivors include her three children: Rhonda Lash and her husband, David, of Newville, PA, Bill Smith and his wife, Carol, of Lathrop, CA, Bob Smith and his wife, Vicki, of Mechanicsburg, PA; her ten grandchildren: Keith Smith, Kaitlin Krieger, Lindsay Leiferman, Megan Viduya, Jenn Jones, John Lash, Kris Smith, Kass Smith, Noelle Smith, Will Smith; her nine great-grandchildren; her two siblings: James Stiles of Middletown, PA, Margaret Shaffner of Tower City; and several nieces and nephews.

Ruthanna graduated from Highspire High School as part of the class of 1954.  She retired from USF&G Insurance Company in Harrisburg, after 10 years of service working as a secretary.  Ruthanna attended Daybreak Church in Mechanicsburg.  She was a very active member for 10 years with the Assembly of God Church in Mechanicsburg where she helped with the clothing closet ministry.  Ruthanna and her husband were volunteers with the Appalachian Ministry Network for many years as well.  She loved to sing while always maintaining perfect pitch.  Ruthanna enjoyed baking, playing Bingo, and reading especially her Bible and any murder mystery or true crime.  She always went out of her way to help others and found it important to give; Ruthanna touched many lives.  Love was the most essential thing to her and family was her life.  Ruthanna always made sure her children had what they needed and even gave them a glimpse of Heaven.

All are welcome to join Ruthanna’s family at her gathering of family and friends on Friday, May 4, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. until time of service at 5:00 p.m. at Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Ronald O’Neil and Pastor Tom Ranney officiating.  Honored to be the urn bearer is Bob Smith.  Ruthanna’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at the café next to Myers-Buhrig following the service.  Interment in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville will be private and at the convenience of the family.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Ruthanna’s life can be made to Daybreak Church, 321 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, www.DayBreakWeb.com/Give or Forest Park Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, 700 Walnut Bottom Road, Carlisle, PA 17013.

Ruthanna’s family has entrusted her care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ruthanna’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, and sign her official guest book at Buhrig.com.