RUTH M.SMITH, 86 LAKELAND - On Friday, May 3, 2013, Ruth M. Smith, 86 of Lakeland, Florida, lost her battle with cancer. Ruth was a long-time member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lakeland. Ruth was born on November 19, 1926 in Marshall, Minnesota. She was the youngest of seven children of Carl and Gerta Johnson. Ruth married Elmer Smith on September 6, 1947 in Rockford, Illinois. After retirement in 1996, Ruth and Elmer, moved to Lakeland from Decatur, Illinois. Elmer passed away in Lakeland in 2002. Despite being in ill health, Ruth decided to stay in Lakeland with her son John. Besides Elmer, Ruth was preceded in death by her son Jimmie in 1948, and her daughter Debbie in 1960. Ruth is survived by three other sons: Steven of Geneva, Illinois, Richard (Carolyn) of Decatur, Illinois, and Joseph of Salt Lake City, Utah, as well as ten grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. A private family service is planned for Monday, May 13, 2013, followed by a graveside service at Wilwood Cemetery in Rockford, Illinois, later that day. Ruth will be buried alongside Elmer, Jimmie and Debbie.