Ruth Helen Smith

In Loving Memory of Ruth Helen Beitzel Smith

August 21, 1937 - January 13, 2024.

Ruth was taken home by her lord and savior on January 13, 2024.  

Preceded in death by her parents, Goldie Glidden (Smith) and Charles Glidden, grandsons, Gerald Ewing and Brian Alleshouse, great granddaughter Alexis Ewing and sons-in-law Joseph Andreetti and David Pluck I and her beloved dog, Rita. 

Survived by Darlene Andreetti, Michael Ewing (Cindy), Mark Beitzel (Pam), Patricia Beitzel (Roger), Ronald Beitzel Jr. (Nancy), Tina Pluck and Wendy Urbas (Jeff), 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Born in Akron, Ohio where she spent most of her life, Ruth enjoyed traveling and she treasured family and friends above all else. Ruth had a special gift for bringing people together through laughter.  You could count on Ruth to crack jokes through any gathering and you knew you were loved when she teased you a bit. 

Ruth also loved history and politics, with many of her traveling adventures incorporating museums and monuments.  She enjoyed taking history classes at The University of Akron and loved to share what she learned with friends and loved ones, and most enjoyed when she was able to enlighten the class because she studied a topic more thoroughly than anyone else or actually lived through it.

One of Ruth's most cherished pastimes was knitting, a hobby that allowed her to express her creativity and love. Her hands crafted warmth and comfort into every stitch, and she lovingly created baby blankets for her grandchildren. 

Ruth was extremely hard-working, raising her 7 children, sometimes working 3 jobs.  She spent her lifetime caring for others, with her first job as a teenager at Akron Children’s Hospital during the Tuberculosis epidemic.  She went on to work at Manor Care Nursing Facility for 31 years, where she retired at the age of 72.

As a child, Ruth had Polio and her mother enrolled her in a dance course to help her build muscles in her legs.  Ruth discovered a love for music, singing and dance, and was even invited to audition for a part in a movie.  

January 13, 2024 marks the end of Ruth’s earthly journey, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her great sense of humor and infectious laughter will be remembered. Ruth enjoyed studying her bible and the church held a special place in her heart, providing her with comfort, community, and spiritual fulfillment throughout her life.

A celebration of life will be held at noon on April 6, 2024 at Adams Mason Funeral Home, when family from out of town can join to honor Ruth’s memory.  Services will follow at 1:00 p.m.