Ruth Marie (Smiley) Wright of Caseyville, Il., formerly of St. Clair, was born September 12, 1929, in Taneyville, MO; the daughter of William Smiley and his wife, Arizona (Grady).  Ruth passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the age of 95 years.  She resided with her daughter Betty Louise Cochran and son-in-law Dartan Cochran in Caseyville at the time of her death.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Charles A. Wright; her parents, William and Arizona Smiley; one brother, Joseph Smiley; one sister, Alice (Smiley) Pescagline; granddaughter, LeAnna (Rice) Hawkins and many other beloved family and friends.

She is survived by five children: Chester W. Rice Jr. and wife Shirley of St. Clair, Betty Louise Cochran and husband Dartan of Caseyville, Il., Ronald N. Rice and wife Maggie of Fredonia, KS., Anita I. Clonts and husband Harold of Leasburg, and Patricia D. Allen and husband Phillip of Wicklife, KY; two sisters: Betty Watson of California, and Nita Frey of California; twelve grandchildren: Chester Wayne (Michelle) Rice III, Cynthia (Kirk) Messinger, James D. (Jenifer) Cochran, John M. Cochran, Jimmie (Becky) Patterson, Terry (Tina) Patterson, Theresa (Samoa) Faileaso, Stephanee (Bryan) Schiding, Ron (Amber) Rice, Jennifer (Ron) Hill, Jaclyn Allen, and Justin Allen; twenty-one great-grandchildren; fifteen great-great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.