Ruth Marie (Burton) Smothers

Ruth Marie (Burton) Smothers of Battle Creek, MI

Ruth left this life on Sunday morning, September 13, 2020.

Ruth was born to Thomas and Mildred Burton in Bellevue, Michigan on October 19, 1931, where she grew up and attended school with her 7 siblings. Ruth met and married the love of her life, Roy Smothers and married in 1948. The Battle Creek area became their home. Ruth worked in many restaurants in the area in her younger years, Sip 'N Nip Drive In, Mom's Cafe, and the Coffee Cup. Ruth became the owner/operator of the Merle Norman Salon in downtown Battle Creek. Once retired, Ruth and Roy enjoyed their road trips to California, Alabama and the South to visit friends and family. Together, they also shared the responsibilities of being Facility Managers at Cherry Hill Manor. Ruth was very proud of her work history, being a great cook like her mother, and her family, whom she didn't get to see much as they resided out of state.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Roy; son, Jack; infant son, Danny; sisters, Margaret Baker, Bobbie Eaton, and Madeline Willavize and brothers, Tom and Richard Burton. She is survived by son, Roy, Jr., 6 grandchildren, 9 grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Also, surviving are brother, Butch(Eleanor) Burton, sister, Dorothy Paige and many nieces and nephews. Her sister-in-laws, Betty Dove and Dean Wiegand were great friends and support to Ruth as well.

The Graveside Service to celebrate Ruth's life will be held on Thursday, October 1st at 1:00 p.m. at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens, Battle Creek. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ruth's honor may be directed to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter, 21311 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation, Battle Creek is assisting Ruth's family.