Ruth E. Smith

On Sunday, October 5, 2025, we said good-bye to Ruth Elaine Smith, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Ruth was surrounded by her loving family as she peacefully passed and finally ran into the loving arms of her Savior Jesus Christ.

Ruth was born in Kingston, PA, the daughter of the late Walter Edward Ostrowski and the late Rose Marie (Mecli) Ostrowski. She was 87 years of age at the time of her death. She was the oldest of five children. Mom was the matriarch, a title she held with pride. She is survived by her brother, John Ostrowski, and her sister, Roseanne Ostrowski, (affectionately called, "Sissy.")

Prior to her passing, Ruth was a caregiver to her husband and loyal friend. She was a light in the community. She knew the value of compassion and true love.

She worked at Pathmark in Brookhaven, PA, as a cashier and as a pharmacy technician. Later she was the secretary for her husband's chiropractic office. After retirement, she enjoyed reading, friends, church, being a "red hatter," shopping with her daughters and granddaughters, and attending community bible study! Mom enjoyed life to the fullest!

After high school graduation, Ruth met James Beail. They married and moved to Delware County. Jim and Ruth resided in Green Ridge, PA, where they raised three children - Jimmy, Sharon, and Anne. Ruth followed the lead of her mother, Rosie, and made a home full of family, life, faith, and love. Sadly their marriage ended in divorce.

In 1983, Ruth remarried Dr. Bruce F. Smith. They were married for 27 wonderful years until she was widowed in 2010. She and Bruce traveled the world, square danced, played the organ, and enjoyed boating on the Chesapeake Bay. She resided in Kennett Square near her family where she passed in her home surrounded by them.

Ruth is survived by her children, James W. Beail and his wife, Patrice Beail; Sharon Schofield and husband, Timothy Schofield; Anne Emerson and her husband, David Emerson; her grandchildren, Candace Schofield, Chad Schofield, Erica Beail, Lexie Mungo and husband, Kahlaf Mungo, Sarah Schofield, Zachary Emerson and wife, Elizabeth Emerson, and Aaron Emerson; great-grandchildren, Anna Schofield, Henry Schofield, Zyaire Mungo, and Zariyah Mungo.

Mom, we will miss you but know you are at peace. You will live on in our hearts! Until we meet again, we love you!

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service that will start promptly at 12:45 PM on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Mendenhall Inn, 323 Kennett Pike, Mendenhall, PA 19317. A luncheon will follow.

Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view Ruth’s online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com