RUTH K. Long time Albuquerque resident, passed away on August 12, 2011 at her home in Four Hills. Ms. Smyer was born in Columbus, New Mexico to Marie Kelly Klein and William Patrick Klein on July 6, 1917. Her parents had moved to Columbus in order to open a branch of the family's mercantile business. The store served the American troops stationed on the border at the time. Ruth spent her childhood in Arizona. She graduated with honors from the University Of West Texas A&M with a triple major in English, Speech and Drama. She married her college sweetheart Paul A. Smyer in 1941. During World War II she traveled extensively with her Army Air Corp husband. They lived in Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, North Dakota, and New York as well as New Mexico. Both Ms. Smyer and her husband continued to have a life long interest in travel. Throughout her life she was an avid reader and lover of theatre. In addition, Ruth was always very civically active in the Albuquerque Community - serving on many boards and with enumerable charitable organizations. For many years she also worked with her husband in their family business, an insurance and real estate agency. She was preceded in death by her son, Paul Anthony Smyer Jr. in 1980; her husband of over 58 years in 2000; her brother, William Klein, Jr. in 2005. She is survived by her daughter, Myrna R. Smyer and son-in-law Carlton W. Canaday of Albuquerque; her granddaughter Sherryl Smyer Pratt and husband Glenn Pratt; two great-grandchildren Lauren Marie and Eric Paul of Frisco, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews, and loving friends. Ruth will certainly be missed and remembered with great fondness by all who knew her. In accordance with Ruth's wishes, memorial contributions may be made in her name to "Once Upon a Theatre", 13170-B Central Ave. SE #130, Albuquerque, NM 87123. Once Upon a Theatre is a New Mexico non-profit organization that brings the joy and academic stimulus of quality live theatre to many low income children in central New Mexico. For service information or to leave a condolence please visit: www.danielsfuneral.com Ruth's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Service Carlisle Chapel 1331 Carlisle Boulevard, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110
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