Ruthie "Ruth"

Fern Smith-Fulhorst

Ruthie "Ruth" Fern Smith-Fulhorst, daughter of the late Jesse Martin Prater and Elsie Minnie (Douglas) Prater, was born in Oates, Missouri, on October 7, 1935. She departed this life in St. James, Missouri, on December 4, 2025, at the age of 90.

On April 13, 1951, in Bismarck, Missouri, Ruth was united in marriage to Ray A. Smith. He preceded her in death on May 3, 2004. She married James Fulhorst in St. Charles, Missouri, in June 8, 2006. He preceded her in death on July 3, 2020. Ruth was a member of the New Beginning Pentecostal Church in St. Peters, Missouri. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, planting flowers, cleaning house, fishing, and camping with her family at Clearwater Lake.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, one brother, Bill Prater, seven sisters, Beulah, Ola, Freida, Zola, Doll, Doshia and Bonnie, one son-in-law, Troy Kelley, and one grandson, Scott.

Ruth is survived by one son, Rick Smith and wife Teena of Hillsboro, Missouri, two daughters, Debra J. Kelley (late husband Troy) of Hillsboro, Missouri, and Cathy Morris and husband Rick of St. James, Missouri, 11 grandchildren, Shannon, Mark, Jacob, Zachary, Aimee, Rebecka, Amanda, Megan, Brian, Steven, and Scott (deceased), 15 great-grandchildren, Isabelle, Alexander, Ava, Janie, Mariah, Patton, Lacey, Bear, Jackson, Josiah, Lucas, Skylar, Aiden, Ethan, and Tessa, and one great-great-grandchild, Udaya. Ruthie will be deeply missed by her family and friends who will mourn her passing.

Visitation: Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 5-8 PM at McSpadden Funeral Home, Lesterville, Missouri

Funeral: Thursday, December 11, 2025, 11 AM

Minister: Pastor Russell Summers

Burial: Smith Cemetery

Pallbearers: Stevie, Braden, Mark, Terry, Zachary, and Rick

In Lieu of Flowers: Donations can be made to American Cancer Society

Arrangements by McSpadden Funeral Home, Lesterville, Missouri