Ruth C. (Meyer) Smith

Ruth C. (Meyer) Smith, born July 17, 1926, in Warren County, Missouri, to Albert and Levonia (Kunze) Meyer, passed away July 26, 2026, in Salem, Missouri, at age of one hundred years. In 1946, Ruth married Herman “Cotton” Franklin Halbrook, and together blessed with one daughter, Herma Lea. They shared nearly twenty-two years of marriage before his passing June 30, 1968. Ruth later married Harold R. Smith, in 1971, and shared thirty-two years of marriage before his passing in 2003. Ruth enjoyed spending the last twenty years with her companion and best friend, Larry McClain, and his family. She found great joy in the simple blessings of life. She loved quilting, tending her flower beds, and gardening. In her words, she had a wonderful life and loved her home. She truly appreciated the life she was given and lived it with gratitude and quite grace. Above all, her faith, family, and friends were most important to her. Ruth is survived by her dearest loving best friend: Larry McClain of Salem, MO; granddaughter: Angie Schultz and husband Troy; stepsons: Frank Smith and Kelly Smith; grandchildren: Hannah Blankenship, Wyatt Blankenship, Jessica Butery, Emily Coelho, Lewis Elliott, Oliver Elliott, Hilary Gauthier, Brandi Hobson, Juliana Mueller, Emily Smith, and Scott Smith; as well as several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. Preceding her in death were her first husband: Herman “Cotton” Halbrook; second husband: Harold R. Smith; daughter: Herma Lea (Halbrook) Schafer; stepdaughters: Melissa (Smith) Barnett and Jill (Smith) Elliott and husband Clay; and her. parents: Albert and Levonia (Kunze) Meyer; and her siblings. Those who knew Ruth will remember her gentle spirit, warm heart, and the love she shared with those closest to her. She will always be remembered for her kindness towards children, famous strawberry-rhubarb pies, polite southern accent, gardening, detail to her flower beds, interior decorating, and her devotion and caring for late husband Harold during his last years and battling through cancer. She leaves behind a great legacy and a century of memories. She will be forever missed. Graveside Services were held July 31, 2026, in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Ruth C. (Meyer) Smith

July 17, 1926 - July 26, 2026