Ruthanne (Whitbey) Smith, 92, passed away peacefully to her "Heavenly home" on Friday, January 9, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Up until the end Ruthanne was still guiding her family in faith, maintained her strong opinions of right and wrong, and expressed appreciation for the life and family she loved so deeply. She was known to play very competitive when family joined her in scrabble or aggravation games. Ruthanne and her husband, "R.H." were faithful Purdue Boilmaker fans. They contributed to the university and were season ticket holders for both football and basketball for many years. Ruthanne is survived by her children, Rick (Jené) Smith and Cheryl Berger; grandchildren whom she call her seven "angels", Holly (Ed) Mathews, Justin (Nicole) Berger, Rick (Crystal) Smith Jr., Stefanie VerBryck, Jeff (Amber) Smith, Courtney (Andrew) Drummond, and Jennifer (Tyler) Henn; and twenty-two great-grandchildren that she called her "sunbeams". Ruthanne was welcomed into heaven by her loving husband, Richard H. Smith; parents, George and Theresa Whitbey; sister, Lenora Bair; in-law's, Herschel and Ruth Smith; brother-in-law, Frederick Smith; daughter-in-law, Susan Smith; and son-in-law, Brent Berger. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, 6424 Winchester Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46819 with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Burial to follow the service at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery. In memory of Ruthanne, the family welcomes donations to Parkview Hospice or Golden Years Homestead. The service, care, and love they gave her was deeply appreciated. Memorial donations may also be made to Purdue University- Electrical Engineering Department
