Ruth Smit

Ruth Smit, age 86, departed this life on June 9, 2025, when God called her home to heaven. She endured a long hard fight with Alzheimer’s and passed away peacefully at Stafholt Nursing Home in Blaine WA.

Ruth was born in Bellingham WA on November 17th, 1938, lived most of her life in Whatcom County and graduated from Ferndale High School.

Ruth was married to Bryant Smit for 33 years and was a loving mother to daughters Kathy (Brian Anderson) and Mary (Bryan VanderYacht). A Stepmother to Laurie (Mike Madden), Randy (Shelley Smit). She loved being a grandma to Brock (Melanie Anderson), Bryce (Michelle Anderson), Braxton (Jordan Anderson), Denver (Miranda VanderYacht), Drake (Hailey VanderYacht), Karly (Brenten Fox), Britton (Traci Smit) and Tara Smit. Ruth loved enjoying time with her 17 great grandchildren with 2 on the way.

Ruth and Bryant enjoyed traveling, spending time camping, playing cards with friends, and going to many ball games and state tournaments. She especially loved baking her banana bread and her chocolate chip cookies for her grandkids.

Ruth is survived by her immediate family listed above, along with her sister Dawn Lory of Oregon and numerous other relatives.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Bryant Smit, granddaughter Tara Smit, parents Effie Mustoe, William McMillan and Neil Pond.

A private immediate family graveside service will be held on June 30, 2025. Following the burial, we will then have a celebration of her life with family and friends from 12:00-2:00 at VanderYacht Propane Inc, 6811 Guide Meridian, Lynden WA 98264.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Whatcom Hospice and Stafholt Nursing Home for the wonderful care and love they gave to our mom. (You know who you are) 😊