Ruth Elnora (Smith) Tanner

Ruth E. Tanner, age 92 passed away Wednesday, 7/1/20 in Jefferson.  She was born to Roy L. & Lena Smith on April 9, 1928 in Jefferson.  Ruth went to Griggs Corners one-room schoolhouse and then went on to graduate from Jefferson High School in 1945.  She was married to Donald D. Tanner in 1946 at the First Baptist Church in Jefferson.  Ruth and Don shared 38 wonderful years together until Don’s passing in 1984.  Ruth worked for the Ashtabula Co. War ration during WWII and 12 years for the Ashtabula Co. Engineer.  She also worked 30 years as secretary for her husband Don in their business, Tanner Plumbing and Heating.

Ruth was an ever-faithful servant of God.  The church and serving the Lord was of utmost importance in her life.  She was baptized on October 14, 1941 at the First Baptist Church where she attended continuously from two weeks of age until she was 90.  Ruth was a charter member of the Buenos Amigos Sunday school class, a Sunday school teacher, Youth Leader, Deaconess, Funeral Dinner Leader, VBS teacher and on the mission board.  She had a ministry of encouragement by sending cards and was a prayer warrior.  Ruth loved doing for others.

A gifted poet, Ruth loved to write poems for family and friends.  She composed a booklet of some of her poems entitled “Ruth’s ‘Ritings” as well as some poems published in books.  Ruth wrote a story about her family heritage entitled, “And They Salted Pork”.

Ruth deeply loved all of her family.  She is survived by a son, Duane Tanner of Ashtabula; a daughter, Sara (Todd) Hinkle of Jefferson; grandchildren, Allison Hinkle, Claire (Christopher) Knowles & Derek Tanner; brothers, Lee Smith & Arthur (Barbara) Smith; sister, Grace (John) Oeffner; 40 nieces & nephews; 83 great-nieces & nephews; 68 great-great-nieces & nephews and 17 great-great-great-nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; brothers, Everett & Noble Smith and sister-in-law’s, Evelyn Smith & Delois Marshall.  Ruth will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, as well as her unwavering faith, selfless giving and dedication to God and the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to the First Baptist Church, 85 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson where a broadcast funeral service will be held outside, Tuesday at 11:00AM with visitors staying in their vehicles and directed to the proper radio station for the broadcast service. 

A walk-through viewing will be held in the Fellowship Hall at the church from 9-11AM on Tuesday.  Social distancing will be observed but masks will not be required.  The Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory, 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson is honored to serve the Ruth Tanner family.  View obituary, express condolences or light a candle at fleming-billman.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth Elnora (Smith) Tanner, please visit our floral store.