Ruth M. Brooks Smith

Herrin- Ruth M. Brooks Smith, 85, of Herrin, formerly of Goreville, passed away at 1:20 PM, Saturday, January 22, 2005 at her home. Ruth was born on September 2, 1919 at the family home in Goreville to Lee Roy & Dora Bell (Treece) Maze. She married Lawrence V. Brooks on June 6, 1937 in Vienna. He preceded her in death on April 30, 2000. Later she was remarried to John L. Smith on May 31, 2001 in Herrin. He preceded her in death on April 10, 2002. Ruth worked for many years as a cook at North side School in Herrin. The students at the school called her Grandma because she listened and was always there for them. Family and children were everything to Ruth; she was a very loving, caring, daughter, wife, mother & grandmother. She will be sadly missed by all her family and a multitude of loving friends. She enjoyed cooking and was well known for her yeast rolls and chicken and dumplings. When she was able she liked to sew and garden. She was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Herrin and also the Goreville Eastern Star. She formerly played piano at Mt. Hebron Church at Wayside. SURVIVORS: Son & daughter in law- Donald & Deborah Brooks- Overland Park, KS Son & daughter in law- Ronald & Rosemary Brooks- Joliet, IL Daughter & son in law- Dimple & Jim Jeffrey- Herrin Son- John Brooks- Herrin Ten Grandchildren Eleven Great Grandchildren Step-son- J.D. Smith- Johnston City Step Daughter & son in law- Dee & Chuck Boner- Herrin Step Daughter & son in law- Arla & Nelson Clark- Herrin Step Son & Daughter in law- Paul & Penny Smith- Johnston City Several Step Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren & Great Great Grandchildren Brother & sister in law- Ivan & Aletha Maze- Goreville Brother & sister in law- Roy Lee & Jo Ann Maze- Goreville Numerous Nieces & nephews and great nieces & nephews Beloved Dog- Rascal She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, two brothers & sisters in law; Athol & Ruie Maze and James Freda Jake & Ruby Maze. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 26, 2005 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Mike Cullum will officiate. Burial will follow at Mt. Hebron Cemetery in Goreville. Visitation will be from 6:00-9:00 PM, Tuesday, January 25, 2005 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Mt. Hebron Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register; please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.