Ruth Ann Smith

She was the fourth of six children. Ruth grew up in West Fork, AR on the family farm and it is where she attended elementary school. Wanting her to have a strong Christian high school experience her parents provided Ruth the opportunity to attend Berean Academy in Elbing, KS. Ruth graduated from Berean Academy in 1959 and it was during those four years that she met the love of her life Lynne Smith. They would marry in June of 1960 and celebrate 61 years of marriage together before Lynne’s passing in 2022. Together they had three children Deborah (Debbie), Scott, Cynthia (Cindy), Kohl, and Martin (Marty). Lynne dedicated his life to serving as a pastor, and Ruth dedicated her life of service as a pastor’s wife. She loved her role and served God, family and church with great passion and devotion. Lynne and Ruth were the consummate team. They loved singing and filled their home with music. They sang together and encouraged their children to sing as well. Many times, the family sang together for special occasions. If the doors of the church were open, they were there serving side by side. Ruth led women’s ministries, children’s church, directed the children’s choir, served on the National Board of the American Baptist Churches and was a quiet supporting partner to Lynne in every way. For many years she was a faithful member of a ladies’ morning prayer group. By her family and friends Ruth was a true prayer warrior. Few things gave her greater joy than reading her Bible and lifting her family, friends, and the church in prayer.

Ruth was an amazing cook, baker, and gardener. She and Lynne hosted many family reunions, large group gatherings and intimate meals where her delicious cooking was enjoyed. Together they produced abundant vegetable gardens, beautiful flower beds and timeless roses. She found great enjoyment and peace in the garden.

Until her hands and fingers could no longer cooperate you would see Ruth doing her cross stitch for the grandchildren. Each one has a cherished blanket and pillow that Grandma made for them. She was a Kansas Jayhawks and KC Royals fan. She was committed to watching her teams on TV whenever they played. Her closet was filled with their merchandise.

Ruth is survived by her three children Debbie (Mark) Scott of Wellington, KS, Cindy (Denny) Kohl of Wichita, KS, and Marty (Cindy) Smith of Wichita, KS, ten grandchildren, and seventeen great grandchildren, brothers Jim (Mary) Stolz, Mike (Bernice) Stolz and Ralph Stolz.

She is predeceased by her husband Lynne Smith, parents George and Mabel Stolz, sister Barbara Dunbar, brother Wesley Stolz and his wife Peggy and sister-in-law Carol Stolz.

A celebration of life is scheduled for July 2nd at Central Community Church, 6100 W. Maple, Wichita, KS starting at 10:30 a.m. Memorial gifts can be made to the Central Community Church music fund.