Ruth Ann Smith, 89, of Carmi, Illinois passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Wabash Senior Living and Rehabilitation. She was born in Dahlgren Township, Hamilton County, Illinois, on Thursday, August 13, 1936, the daughter of Floyd Daniel and Alta Ruth (Tharp) Ward. On May 2, 1953, she married the love of her life, Theodore Joseph Smith, in Metropolis, Illinois. Together Ruth Ann and Ted shared over 72 years devoted to each other in marriage and were the subjects of the 2023 biography by Gene Skipworth entitled “Carmi’s Love Story: How Ted and Ruth Ann Made the Word Marriage Extraordinary”
Ruth Ann was a follower of Jesus and worshipped him together with her family at First United Methodist Church in Carmi. She was retired, having worked alongside Ted as co-owner and cashier at Two Tony’s Smorgasbord for over 29 years. Their restaurant was a longtime staple in Carmi and the surrounding communities as folks would often travel from throughout the region to enjoy home cooking and a friendly atmosphere.
Ruth Ann enjoyed sewing, collecting various types of birdhouses and visiting with her high school friends. She was an avid gardener, making sure her birdhouses were in beautiful environments. Over the years she also helped Ted with their racehorses, making sure they were cared for and giving names to each of them. Alongside her faith, Ruth Ann’s greatest love was for Ted and her family with whom she spent countless hours.
In addition to her Husband Ted Smith of Carmi, IL, she is survived by her daughters, Joan (Curtis) McMichael of Oklahoma City, OK, and Jan (Eric) Williams of Argyle, TX; grandchildren, Ryan (Courtney) Williams of Lantana, TX, Worth (Deidra) Williams of Dallas, TX and Court ( Megan) Roueche of Oklahoma City, OK; great grandchildren, Tanner, Ella, Sam, Sloane and Scarlett; Nieces, Melanie Allyn and Paula Owen and Nephews Bruce Ward and Brett Ward.
Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Paul Ward and Van Ward.
A service Celebrating Ruth Ann’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in the chapel of Roberts and Cook Funeral Service, 101 Edgewood Lane, Carmi, Illinois with Mike Buckman officiating. Inurnment will follow immediately at White County Memorial Garden. Family and friends may visit from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Roberts and Cook Funeral Service have been entrusted with the arrangements. For more information or to leave online tributes please visit robertsfuneralservice.com
