Ruthanne Smith Obituary

We announce the death of Ruthanne Smith (Fort Wayne, Indiana), who passed away on January 9, 2026, at the age of 92. Ruthanne will be remembered by family members, friends, and others whose lives were connected in meaningful ways. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

She was predeceased by: her parents, George Whitbey and Theresa Whitbey. She is survived by: her children, Rick Smith (Jené) and Cheryl Berger; her grandchildren, Holly Mathews (Ed), Justin Berger (Nicole), Rick Smith Jr. (Crystal), Stefanie VerBryck, Jeff Smith (Amber), Courtney Drummond (Andrew) and Jennifer Henn (Tyler); her husband Richard H. Smith; her sister Lenora Bair; her brother-in-law Frederick Smith; and her children-in-law, Susan Smith and Brent Berger. She is also survived by twenty-two great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may also be made to Purdue University- Electrical Engineering Department.