Ruth R. Smith, 87, of Leawood, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2009, at home. A private funeral service was held for the family at Church of the Nativity. Interment was in Johnson County Memorial Gardens.

Ruth was born March 20, 1921, in San Bernardino, California to Leatha and Joseph Reinecker.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years LeRoy Nelson Smith, and her brothers R. Bruce Reinecker, Donald P. Reinecker, and John H. Reinecker.

Ruth is survived by daughters Connie Koester of Mission Hills, Kansas, and Diane Hayes of Tulsa, Oklahoma, sons-in-law Charles W. Koester, Jr. and Dennis Hayes, four grandchildren - Chip and Matt Koester, Andy and Molly Hayes; and brothers Robert F. Reinecker and William Reinecker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association . Arrangements: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf, Overland Park, Kansas 66210 913-451-1860.