Ruth Ann (O'Neal) Smith

Ruth Ann (O’Neal) Smith, 88, of Columbus, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, surrounded by her family at Cherry Blossom Senior Living.

Ruth was born on April 11, 1937, in Croton, Ohio to her parents Ralph Sr. and Mae (Timberlake) O’Neal. She graduated from Centerburg High School in 1955. She married the love of her life, Jack Smith, in June 1957 and they spent 67 wonderful years together. Ruth was a happy and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. When Jack started his own insurance agency in 1979, she was by his side working together until their retirement in 2003. They enjoyed traveling the world and spending time with their family.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents; siblings, Harold, John, Mary and Ralph Jr.

She is survived by her children, Susie (Mark) Rovnak, Cindy Deliz, Janet Annis, Greg (Sheila) Smith; grandchildren, Anthony (Rachael) Deliz, Christopher (Emily) Deliz, Drew (Gina) Harris, Paige (Kyle) Carter, Nathan Annis, Amanda (Rick King) Annis, Alex Smith and Jaci (Daniel) Straty; great- grandchildren, Aedan Deliz, Aria Straty, Zoe Harris, Rosie Harris, Oliver King, Damian King, Jack Deliz, Henry Deliz and Scottie Carter.

Ruth’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to the wonderful and caring staff of Capital City Hospice and Cherry Blossom Senior Living.

Memorial contributions in Ruth’s memory may be sent to Capital City Hospice.

A Memorial Service for Ruth will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026 at Cotner Funeral Home, 7369 E. Main St. Reynoldsburg at 11:00am, with Pastor Dustin Fulton officiating. Private inurnment at Eastview Cemetery, Hartford Township, Ohio.

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