Ruth L. (Lindsey) Smith, 89, of Union City, MI, died peacefully April 3, 2019 at Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence in Battle Creek, MI, after a brief illness.
A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 7, 2019 at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation in Union City. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 PM, just prior to the service, on Sunday, April 7, 2019 at Lighthouse.
Ruth was born to Don and Gladys Lindsey in Quincy, MI on December 6, 1929. She attended Williams Country School and graduated from Quincy High School, where she played basketball. As a child she learned to do handwork and sew on her mother’s pedal machine. She was, “always good with numbers,” and she loved to read. After high school she met Wayne Smith at a basketball game, and they married two months later. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Union City where they remained throughout their lives.
Ruth and Wayne worked hard, raised four children, and were a constant presence in the lives of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Early in their marriage, Ruth worked sewing parachutes for the Aerial Manufacturing Company in downtown Union City. Ruth also made a name for herself as a seamstress, creating dance and baton uniforms and eventually started reupholstering furniture. Her skill lead to the establishment of Smith’s Upholstery in her home on M-60, which she has owned and operated for over fifty years. Many members of her family, including the children, have worked in the business, and her daughter, Lonna continues the upholstery business today. For many years, Ruth also taught upholstery classes through the Union City Community Education program.
Ruth spent time with her husband roller skating, listening to Wayne’s country music band, dancing, bowling, and playing Euchre. She was a proud member of the Athens VFW Post Local #5319, where she served with distinction as President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Chaplain, and District Trustee, with whom she traveled to New York City only two weeks after 9/11. She enjoyed traveling to many destinations, and she was especially surprised when her family arranged a visit to her sister-in-law in California, which included tickets to attend the Rose Bowl Parade. Ruth was an avid gardener, and was especially fond of the wide array of beautiful flowers in her yard. An intelligent conversationalist, she loved chatting with family, friends, clients, and everyone she met. Recently, she kept up with friends and family through Facebook.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayne; her son, Larry; her brothers, Lloyd, Lyle and Phin; and her sister, Olive. She is survived by her daughter, Beverly (Dave) Osburn of Sherwood; son, Jack (LaDonna) Smith of Howell; daughter, Lonna (Jerry) Burch of Coldwater; grandchildren, David (Tracy) Stevens, Angela (Randy) Clute, Nick Burch, Corey Burch, Adam, Daniel, and Kelly Smith; great-granddaughters Kaitlyn and Ashley; four great-great-grandchildren; and the many nieces and nephews to whom she was “Aunt Ruth.” She is also survived by her special friend and sister-in-law, Janice Vosburg.
The family suggests donations be made to Athens VFW #5319 Auxiliary, 120 Veterans Drive, Athens, MI 49011 or to Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence, 5470 Glenn Cross Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015 in appreciation for the outstanding care they have provided.
