Ruth Proudfoot Smith

Honored by:Clifford D. Smith
Brick location:D:8  map

October 16, 1926 - November 7, 1993.

Ruth Proudfoot Smith will be remembered as a Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, PEO Sister, and good friend. She contributed to life as a teacher, a mother, and volunteer. We honor her at this time, recalling her life and her contributions to those who knew her and loved her.

Ruth was one of five (5) children born to Florence and Fay Proudfoot. She started school in Osceola, Iowa, and graduated from the Osceola High School in 1944. Ruth then enrolled at Iowa State College, and later graduated, in 1948, with a B.S. degree in Applied Art.

Ruth married her High School sweetheart, in 1946, and became the mother to three children, two boys and one girl. She later became the Grandmother to seven grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Ruth was involved in educating children and adults. Initially she taught Home Economics at Murray High School, Murray, Iowa. Later she served as a substitute teacher in the Lansing, Michigan School System. In Warren, Ohio, Ruth helped in a pre-school program. Ruth was always involved with Christian Education. Initially in the Presbyterian Church in Osceola, Iowa, as a high school student. Later she was involved as a teacher or, adviser to youth groups, in her local church in Lansing, Michigan; Warren, Ohio; and finally Ames, Iowa. She was a Deacon and Elder in the Collegiate Presbyterian Church, Ames, Iowa.

Ruth had returned to Ames, Iowa in 1962, and spent the remaining years of her life working and serving in the Ames community. Ruth worked for a few years for Iowa State University, but spent the great share of her active life working as a volunteer for the University Museums. Ruth was a founding member of the Friends of the Farm House here at Iowa State University and was a docent with University Museums from 1977 through 1990. Lynette Pohlman Director of the University Museums wrote: "Ruth's special interests were Meissen porcelain, Oriental jades and the Brunnier doll collection. She helped to document and improve the files on these permanent collections. Ruth also enjoyed giving tours through the museum, and spent thirteen years educating thousands of children and adults about the world of art."

Ruth believed her first responsibility was to her children, and then later her grand- children. She offered them love and support in all of their endeavors, and remained close to each person throughout her life. In her later years, she believed her purpose in life was to share her love and values with her grandchildren, and to encourage them to be the best that they could be in life.

Ruth was a woman worthy of being honored in the PLAZA OF HEROINES at Iowa State University.

Submitted on 11/29/94