Ellen Jane (Rutter) Smith formerly of Columbia, Missouri and Midland, Michigan, passed away on October 9, 2023 at the age of 91. She was born on October 1, 1932 in Columbia, Missouri to James and Gertie Rutter. She was the youngest of 2 children and was preceded in death by her parents, her spouse, Ray Smith, her brother, Charles Rutter and her sister in law June Rutter. Jane is survived by her children, son Michael (Lisa) Smith of Minnesota, son Jeffrey (Sherolyn) Smith of Texas and daughter Pamela (Todd) Smith Bellaver of Michigan as well as 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Always going by her middle name, Jane graduated from David Henry Hickman High School in Columbia, Missouri and attended the University of Missouri receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Jane met her future husband on a blind date while attending Mizzou and they married in 1954. Shortly after they were married, Ray left to serve in the Korean War. Upon his return, they moved to West Lafayette, Indiana where Jane worked at the Purdue University pre-school while Ray completed a Master’s degree. After he graduated, Ray and Jane moved to Midland, Michigan for his new job at Dow Chemical Company. They lived in Midland for 44 years raising their 3 children while Jane worked as a teacher in the Midland Public School system.
When she retired from teaching, she and Ray enjoyed many years of retirement and eventually left Midland returning to Columbia, MO where they lived for 17 years. They spent time traveling sometimes with their camper and eventually without. They enjoyed playing cards, going on bike rides, taking hikes in State and National Parks, being involved in local organizations and clubs, volunteering, gardening, working in the yard, visiting with friends and family, and spending time with their children and grandchildren who brought them both so much joy.
After Ray’s passing in 2020, Jane moved to Weatherford, Texas to live with her son Jeff and daughter in law Sherolyn where she received the best care imaginable and held the important role of family elder with a wink and smile while “demanding” a slice of chocolate pie on a whim. Jane was always ready to play a round of Missouri Rummy or Hand and Foot while also living her retirement years with her favorite motto, “Have suitcase, will travel.” Jane and Ray were fortunate to travel to many of their bucket list locations and had many great adventures together.
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