Ruth E. Smith

Ruth E. Smith, age 73, of Caldwell, Ohio, died Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Genesis Hospital in Zanesville. She was born October 11, 1952, in Dennison, Ohio, daughter of the late Rev. William C. and Wanda M. Andrews Irvin. Ruth was a graduate of Caldwell High School. She had worked many places including Gateway Market, Altercare Summit Acres, Gunnel’s Family Restaurant, The Sandwich Shop, Lori’s Family Restaurant and as a bus driver for Caldwell Exempted Village Schools. Ruth was a devoted Christian who shared her faith wherever she went and was a member of Agape Fire Ministries. Ruth loved to crochet, read the Bible, play online games, explore Facebook and surf the web. She was devoted to her family.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by one son, Matthew Alan Smith; one sister, Maryann Clark; and one brother, Rev. Jonathan E. (Betty) Irvin Sr.

Surviving are her husband, W. Dwain Smith, whom she married April 15, 1973; three sons, W. Brian (Tammy) Smith of McConnelsville, Brent A. (Tina) Smith of Milton, Florida and Mark E. (Kellie) Smith of Apple Valley, California; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, with another to be born soon; her siblings, Debbie (Gary) Smith of Caldwell, William (Chris) Irvin of Columbus and James (Connie) Irvin of Gastonia, North Carolina; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell. The funeral will follow visitation at 1:00 PM with Ken Perkins officiating. Burial will follow at Dudley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org. An online guestbook may be signed at www.mcvay-perkins.com.