Tammy Ann Smith, 52, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at her residence in Martinsburg, West Virginia, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 25, 1973, in Silver Spring, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Vincent and Bonnie (Moore) Ruch.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Christopher Dallas Doss.
In her early adulthood, Tammy answered the call to serve her country by enlisting in the United States Navy. Though her service was cut short due to an injury, she received an honorable discharge and remained proud of her time in uniform.
Tammy’s heartbeat was for both her family and her craft. A passionate and gifted hair stylist, she poured her heart into her profession, bringing beauty and confidence to those around her. Her dedication and warmth turned many clients into cherished lifelong friends.
Beyond her career, Tammy lived life with vibrancy and enthusiasm. A devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan, she proudly cheered on her team. She loved spending time outdoors on family bike rides and found pure joy in visiting amusement parks, where the thrill of the rides and shared laughter created lasting memories. Tammy also held a deep affection for animals of all kinds, and her unique fascination with trains often sparked lively and heartfelt conversations.
Tammy is survived by her beloved husband of 38 years, Dennis Smith; her sisters, Holly Toft and husband Dave Toft, and Wendy Ruch; mother in law Kathleen Doss, father in law; Aubrey Dallas Doss, brother in law; David (Gene) Smith, Patrick Doss, sister in law; Maureen Sackett and her husband Douglas Sackett, sister in law, Kathleen Blackwell, her nieces, Carol Toft and Karen Toft; her nephew, Scott Toft; and many additional nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews through marriage.
Family and friends will be received on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Rest Haven Funeral Home, 1601 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, Maryland. A Celebration of Life will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by interment with Military honors at Rest Haven Cemetery.
Tammy’s legacy of love, joy, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
1601 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreInformation and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more