Ruthe Brininstool Smith, 92, of Seneca, Kansas passed away Thursday evening while resting in her recliner.

She was born on August 20, 1921, at Wapanucka, Oklahoma, the daughter of John “Papa” and Gertrude “Gertie” Sanders Egger. The family then moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico.

On December 14, 1939 she married Charles Moorman “Sonny” Brininstool in Roswell New Mexico. They made their home in Carlsbad, NM where they owned and operated a popular restaurant, The Arrowhead. Her husband, Sonny died on December 23, 1954 in a tragic oil rig accident. Ruthe then moved to Torrance, California with their baby daughter, Deena; and her sister, Ruby.

On April 17, 1964 she married Dr. Eldred Marr Smith at Apple Valley, California ad they enjoyed seven beautiful years of marriage, before he passed away from leukemia on January 5, 1971. In 1971 she moved to Las Vegas where she studied art at the University of Nevada and continued her teaching career. She moved to Seneca in 1996 to be near her family.

Ruthe belonged to several professional Art Guilds and continued painting until she could no longer hold a brush. She was an amazing woman of intelligence, courage and strength; and as all of her friends, family and acquaintances know she had a deep concern and love for our country.

She was blessed with an old soul and many talents. She saw the world through the eyes of an artist and her family will always love her for teaching them to see the rich colors, life and beauty in barren deserts, mountain meadows and ocean views

She is survived by her daughter, Deena (Don) Schmelzle of Manhattan; two granddaughters and two great-grandsons.

Funeral Services for family and friends in Kansas will be held at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca at 7 PM on Tuesday, May 20, 2014. A graveside service will be held for her family and loved ones in Victorville, California.

Please, in lieu of flowers and gifts leave memorial contributions in Ruthe’s memory to T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter, 609 Levee Drive, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.