Ruth Sha-wah-quah Smith, 63 of Horton, Kansas passed away on September 21, 2011, at home. She was born on August 15, 1948, on the Kickapoo Reservation, the daughter of Roger and Eleanor Smith. Ruth worked for the Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs for 30 years as a Supervisory Realty Specialist. During her lifetime Ruth attended Haskell Indian School and Washburn University. Her interests included family, sewing and reading. She was a member of the Kickapoo Tribe. She was a beloved sister, aunt and great aunt. She is survived by three sisters, Judith Suina of Cochiti, New Mexico; Lena Belle Smith of Horton, Kansas; and Janet Potto of Phoenix, Arizona. Other survivors include nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephew throughout the United States. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Roy Oakie Smith and Roger Pierce Smith Jr. and two sisters, Diana Mariscal and Lou Ella Smith.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Dishon Maple-Chaney Mortuary of Horton, Kansas. Prayer Services will be held at 6 pm on Thursday, September 22, 2011 and Friday, September 23, 2011 at the Kickapoo Community Building. Viewing for family and friends will be held at 1 pm – 3 pm on Friday, September 23, 2011 at the Dishon Maple-Chaney Morturary. Kennekuk Church services will be held at 6 pm on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at the Kickapoo Community Building. Funeral will be held at 10 am on Sunday, September 24, 2011 at the Kickapoo Community Building with burial at the Smith Cemetery on the Kickapoo Reservation. Condolences may be sent to 106 130th Street, Horton, Kansas 66439. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com.