Ruthie was the first member of the Smucker family that I met after meeting my husband-to -be, Phil Smucker. I was a bit nervous to meet the family. There were so many. Ruth hugged me and within 5 min I felt I was home.
From then own I knew I had another sister. She was so kind, loving, and wise. I'm still drawing strength from her words. She and Ted were with me when my Phil proposed, when he became ill, and when he passed away. Through the first year of his death she and Ted would drive down to Georgia from Ohio... although she herself was sick. When she left she would have hidden little encouraging notes all over my house...in funny little places... I found one just a over a month ago. I saved all my encouraging notes to reread.
She had such a way of speaking truth and wisdom that just made sense.... I can still hear her words. She always spoke so kindly and lovingly of everyone. The glass was always half full.
Ruth blessed me in so many ways. I am a better person because God brought Ruth into
my life.
Lovingly,
Toni Smucker