Ruth Eileen Smith

Ruth Eileen Kellogg-Adams-Smith, age 81, passed away on Saturday, August 23rd at NorthCrest Living Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Ruth Eileen Kellogg was born on September 21st, 1943 in Lincoln, Nebraska to her parents Harold Francis and Doretta Kellogg. She grew up in the Ashland area with her three siblings, Harold, Joanne and James (Jim) Kellogg and graduated from Ashland High School in 1961. She married George Albert Adams of Caro, Michigan on August 11th, 1962. They resided in the Caro, Michigan area until George's death in 1970. Ruth then returned to Omaha, Nebraska with her three young daughters. She put herself through school and graduated with an associates degree from Grace College of the Bible in 1972. She then graduated from the Methodist School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse in 1974.

On August 15th, 1982, Ruth married Earl Smith Jr of Omaha, Nebraska. They lived in the Omaha area and later moved to Pacific Junction, Iowa. After the flood of 2019, they moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa where Ruth lived until her death.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Doretta and Harold Francis Kellogg Sr.; brothers, Harold Francis, Jr., and James Kellogg; husband, George Albert Adams Jr.; mother and father-in-law, Margaret and George Albert Adams, Sr.; stepson, Randy Smith; and son-in-law, Lawrence Kohler, Jr.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Earl Smith, Jr., of Council Bluffs, Iowa; sister, Joanne Prettyman of Papillion, Nebraska; four children, Cynthia (Steve) Melvin of Central City, Nebraska, Susan Kohler of Ankeny, Iowa, Janet (Brett) Bradley of North Platte, Nebraska and Eric Smith of Council Bluffs, Iowa. 

She is also survived by three stepdaughters, Kitty (Kevin) Fazzini of Coloma, Michigan, Jannette (Jay) Chamberlin of Waterloo, Iowa, and Kathy Smith of Remus, Michigan; 21 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Most of her working career was spent as a registered nurse. After graduating from nursing school, Ruth worked at the Methodist and Clarkson hospitals in Omaha, Nebraska. Later she was a traveling nurse in Saunders County, Nebraska and she ended her career working at nursing homes in Glenwood, Iowa. Ruth loved to read growing up, and when not working on the farm, spent most of her spare time doing so. Her mother taught her to sew well and she became an accomplished seamstress. She sewed many of her girl's clothes as children, as well as, prom, wedding and bridesmaid's dresses. Despite being a single working mother with little spare time, she was faithful to teach her daughters these skills through 4-H and other projects. She also shared her talent as a pianist. She enjoyed playing at the churches she attended until she was no longer able to do so.

She also loved to play music with Earl at their Pacific Junction "PJ" jams. They spent many vacations traveling to Blue Grass music festivals around the region. Inspired by Blue Grass, she taught herself how to play the violin, or the "fiddle" so she could play along with their jams.

Ruth became a born again Christian while living in Caro, Michigan. Her faith was a priority in her life and she was committed to instilling this in her children as well. She was also an important witness to her mother, father, sister and brothers. After moving to Omaha, her daughters and she faithfully attended Community Bible Church in Ralston, Nebraska. There she received the encouragement to attend Bible and Nursing school. She also attended Calvary Baptist Church in Glenwood, Iowa for many years. Her church family was always an important part of her life wherever she  went. Most importantly, Ruth knew Jesus well and despite the losses throughout her life, she never stopped loving Him.

One of her favorite hymns was In the Garden. Like in the hymn, Ruth pursued an intimate relationship with her Lord daily. As the song says, "and he walks with me and he talks with me and he tells me I am his own. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known," this love for her Lord was displayed in her tenderheartedness and care for people throughout her entire life. We can rest assured she is walking and talking with Jesus in her eternal heavenly home, "in the garden."

Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 6th at 11:00AM at Calvary Baptist Church, 56456 221st St. in Glenwood, Iowa. Inurnment will be at the Ashland Cemetery.