Ruth E. (Smith) Back

Ruth E. Back

Age 98 of Canton passed away Friday September 3, 2021, in the Gables of Canton. She was born September 21, 1922, in Du Bois, PA to the late Robert A. and Maude (Dunlap) Smith. She was a 1939 graduate of McKinley High School. Ruth loved God and knew him intimately as her Lord and savior.  If you knew Ruth, you know she was heaven-bound.  She was an active member of her church, John Knox Presbyterian, for as long as she was able to attend, teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir.  Ruth was a secretary at Worley Elementary in Canton City until she retired.  She loved her family, friends, and every child of God and it showed in the way she lived her life.  She was the spiritual leader and moral compass of her family.  She modeled unconditional love and forgiveness. If you visited her, you would probably hear her singing as she did just about anything. Most of them were made-up songs about whatever she was doing. She could easily belt out an original tune while making cookies.  She was patient, generous, and so very fun to be around.  She lived an active life full of love.  She golfed, bowled, played cards, made the best homemade noodles and sugar cookies, loved traveling, camping and boating.  She loved talking about her family history and always had something to share.  Her laugh was contagious. She was also a member of Dr. Roach Outdoor League. She is preceded in death by  two brothers, Robert and Edward Smith; one sister, Norma Smith; daughter-in-law, Kathi Back. Ruth is survived by her husband of 76 years, John E. Back; two sons, Robert (Barbara) Back and John Back; four grandchildren, Jamie (Kirk) Askren, Vicki Back, John (Renee) Back and Jessica (Dylan) Harig; 10 great-grandchildren. A private family service will be conducted in the Kreighbaum-Sanders Funeral Home with burial to follow in Sunset Hills Burial Park. Condolences or fond memories may be shared online at www.sandersfuneralhomes.com.

Kreighbaum-Sanders

330-484-2525