Ruth Smith
Ruth Maddy Smith, age 95 passed away at 2:40 a.m. on May 5, 2026 while residing at the Oaks at Northpoint. She was born on February 9, 1931, in Dresden, Ohio, and was lovingly raised by her adopted grandparents, Grace LaSalle Cullins and Edward Maxwell Cullins, whose care and guidance helped shape the woman Ruth became.
Ruth lived a long life marked by quiet strength, resourcefulness, and grace carrying with her the values instilled in her from an early age. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her quick wit, and the warmth she shared with those around her. Even at 95, Ruth could still appreciate a good looking man, a reflection of her lively spirit and sense of humor. She remained sharp minded throughout her life, with an impressive memory for details and names that stayed with her until the very end.
In her younger years, Ruth embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. She was an avid bowler and participated in a bowling league, enjoyed square dancing, and spent many happy times boating, water skiing , and swimming along the Muskingum River. She also had a love of travel and took pride in having visited all 50 states. For several years, Ruth lived in Florida, where she enjoyed spending time at the beach soaking up the sunshine. She was also a devoted Ohio State Buckeyes fan and rarely missed a game on television.
Ruth dedicated over 30 years of service to Big Bear Supermarket, where she worked as a cashier and office manager. She was known for her reliability, kindness, and the connections she made with her coworkers and customers alike.
Ruth had a special love for dogs and always kept at least one by her side –often two- finding comfort and companionship in their loyal presence. Though she had no children of her own, she had a natural affection for children and was cherished by many, who were drawn to her warmth and kindness.
She found joy in caring for others through simple, thoughtful gestures. Ruth loved baking and was rarely without cookies or something sweet to share with her guests. She believed in never letting anything go to waste, often saving and repurposing food to make meals for later, reflecting both her practicality and her appreciation for life’s blessings.
Thoughtful and attentive, Ruth faithfully wrote thank-you notes and remembered birthdays and holidays with a card or a letter, making those around her feel seen and valued. She found comfort and inspiration in religious verses and took pleasure in sharing meaningful poetry with others.
Ruth was preceded in death by her biological mother, Hazel Graves, her former husband’s Richard Goff and Bob Smith; her adopted parents Grace LaSalle Cullins and Edward Maxwell Cullins; her adopted siblings, Hazel Cullins, Elsie Cullins Bishop, John Cullins, Arthur Cullins, Edna Cullins, and infant siblings Hester and Ester Cullins, her biological sister Pattie Graves Metcalf, her niece Amy Cody Grimes, and her nephews Lance Cody, James Bishop and her lifetime friend Lila Devault.
Friends and family may call from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on May 8th, 2026 at BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE; Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 9, 2026 at the funeral home at 11:00 AM, with friends welcome to begin arriving at 10AM. Following services, a burial take place at the Muskingum Cemetery on Gorsuch Road, Nashport.
To send a note of condolence, or to order comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com, follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a local animal shelter in Ruth Smith’s name.
Ruth touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all her knew and loved her.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth Maddy Smith, please visit our flower store.
