Ruth Eleanore Smith

She was born on January 9, 1923, to William and Mary (Maatta) Matson in Copper City. She attended school in Copper City and graduated from Calumet High School in 1942.

She resided in California for most of her life. She was a member of Ramona Lutheran Church.

Ruth married E.J. Smith on April 23, 1966, in New York City. They were married for 50 years.

She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Helen, William, Emma, Alfred, Evelyn and Paul.

Ruth is survived by her husband, E. J. Smith; her niece, Jean (David) Larson; ten great-nieces and nephews, William (Martha) Larson, Benjamin (Lianne) Larson, Kaarina Bienek, Thomas (Kristen) Larson, Mary (Matthew) Sadler, Reid Larson, Jennie (Derek) Bosley, Elizabeth (Brad) Filips, Nathan and Lars Larson; two step-children, Carol Hite and Gregory Smith; sister-in-law, Sylvia Merritt; and 23 great-great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 146 Tamarack Street, Laurium, on Friday, September 2, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Mark Reinsch to officiate. Burial will be in the Lake View Cemetery in Calumet.

Online condolences may be left for the family at ericksoncrowleypeterson .com

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with arrangements.