STOCKTON SPRINGS — Ruth Inez (Smart) Way, 83, passed peacefully on December 27, 2023, surrounded by her loving family after her long and courageous battle with aphasia. As in life, her beloved husband of 61 years, Ron, was by her side.

Ruth was born July 2, 1940, the sixth of seven children born to Earl and Edyth (Howe) Smart, of Frankfort, where her deep love for family bloomed.

She made a name for herself with her desserts, most notably her pies and whoopie pies, over the 40+ years she worked by Ron’s side in his many successful restaurant ventures. Ruth’s beautiful smile, playful giggle and joyful laugh will never be forgotten by anyone who met her.

Ruth is survived by her devoted husband, Ron; her son Scott (Kasey) and her daughter Susan; her grandchildren Peter Wood and Tammie Snow (Randy) and her great-granddaughter Nevaeh; her sister Rachel Philbrick (Gary, deceased), special sister-in-law Sally Smart, Uncle Lawrence Way (Donna, deceased) and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ruth was predeceased by her sisters Irene Lockhart (Wallace, deceased) and Sylvia Raymond (Jerry, deceased); her brothers Ralph Smart (Dot, deceased) (Gladys, deceased); Richard Smart (Sally) (Barbara, deceased) (Monika) and Caddy Smart (Phyl).

A memorial service will be held January 11, 2024 at 1 p.m., at Riposta Funeral Home, in Belfast, with family and friends in attendance. A graveside service will be held in the spring.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com.