Mary Ruth "Ruthie" Smith

It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Mary Ruth "Ruthie" Smith, age 21, who died on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025. A lifelong resident of Morgan County, Ruthie, was born on Wednesday, January 21st, 2004, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was the daughter of Roger Smith and the late Terri DeAnn Manzenberger.
To know Ruthie was to love her. She was a genuinely sweet and honest young woman whose heart of gold touched every person fortunate enough to cross her path. She was a proud graduate of Eminence High School with the class of 2021 and was currently employed at Fraberg's IGA in Monrovia, where she had worked for nearly five years. Many of her customers described her as a bright spot in their days. They often said, "She made our days better and mornings brighter with her contagious smile and sweet hugs." Ruthie cherished her job and the people she met there just as deeply as they loved her.
Ruthie had a personality that sparkled. She was beautiful, bubbly, and full of life. She was witty, sometimes playfully sarcastic, but always loving and kind. Her laughter was infectious, her smile unforgettable, and her presence comforting in ways words can barely capture. She had a special gift for making others feel seen, appreciated, and cared for.
Hardworking, headstrong, and wonderfully spunky, Ruthie approached life with a fierce kindness and a willingness to learn anything new that came her way. She was a natural comforter always checking on others, always offering a reassuring word, or hug even on days when she didn't feel well herself.
A fighter in every sense, Ruthie lived her entire life bravely managing Type 1 diabetes with grit, determination, and unwavering positivity. Though she was once a quiet and shy young girl, she blossomed into a confident and radiant young woman who embraced the world with open arms and an open heart.
Ruthie's time with us was far too short, but the love she gave, the joy she spread, and the light she carried will forever remain. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and compassion-one that will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved her. May her beautiful soul rest in gentle peace and may those who mourn her find comfort in the warmth of her memory. She leaves behind a host of loving family and friends who will forever cherish her memory, including her father, Roger Smith of Martinsville; sisters, Susan Marie Mitchell (husband, Roger) of Mooresville and Heather McClusky (husband, Rodney) of Martinsville; grandmother, Brenda (Eagan) Phelps of Bedford; nephews, Blake and Brett McClusky and Broden Mitchell; great-niece, Kinsley Mae McClusky; several aunts, uncles, and extended family members and her beloved cat Milo and dog, Millie.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Terri DeAnn Manzenberger on July 9, 2025; her grandfather, John Manzenberger; and her grandparents, William and Mary Ruth Smith.
Family and friends are invited to a service celebrating Ruthie's life on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025, beginning at 6;00 PM at Neal & Summers Funeral and Cremation Center in Martinsville. Visiting hours will begin prior to the service at 4:00 PM. Ruthie's earthly body will be cremated following the services.
Fond memories and condolences may be shared with her family online at www.nealandsummers.com
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Mary Ruth "Ruthie" Smith, please visit the Tribute Fund.