Ruth Eaton Smith, 99, Versailles

Ruth Eaton Smith, 99, of Versailles passed away at 8am, Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood, one week short of her 100th birthday. She was born three miles south of Versailles on July 4, 1918 the daughter of James and Maude Rocca Benham. She was married to Bill Eaton on August 8, 1935 and he preceded her in death on September 7, 1980. She was married to Paul Smith in 1992 and he preceded her in death on May 21, 1998. Survivors include three daughters Ann (Bill) Gay of Versailles, Sally (David) Eaton of Evansville, and Jane Wirth of Evansville; 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her son-in-law Tom Wirth, and her sisters Helen Gordon and Mary Nell Westmeier. Mrs. Eaton was a homemaker, but was best known in the Versailles community as a pianist. When she was 11 years old she received piano lessons from Versailles musician Emma Creath. Ruth taught piano herself for over 50 years, sometimes having as many as 40 students. When she was in her 80’s she joined a band in Greensburg and played at senior centers in Greensburg and Versailles. Ruth was a member of the Tanglewood Baptist Church for over 60 years and also played the piano for her church. Ruth’s wishes were to be cremated and a private memorial service will be held at a later date with burial in the Cliff Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Cliff Hill Cemetery or the Tanglewood Baptist Church in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.