Ruth E. Clampitt, of Smyrna, passed away at home on Sunday July 2, 2017 surrounded by her family. She was 85.

She was born in Dover on March 18, 1932, the daughter of the late Clara Cox.

She married her late husband, Gilbert O. Clampitt, on July 11, 1951.

She worked for the Banta's in their store, Delab Wholesale, where her daughter Linda came to work with her. She later worked at Ames Department Store where she became friends with three great people: Cathy Steel, Lois McDougall and Roger Dutton. Later in her career, she worked at Walmart where she received many awards over her 20 years and became friends with fellow workers and many folks coming through her line.

She enjoyed working on crafts for the boxes going overseas to children who would not have Christmas. Ruth was a former member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Citizens Hose Co., Smyrna, where she worked weddings and greatly enjoyed serving the students lunch at the DE Fire School. In addition, she was a longtime member of Smyrna Wesleyan Church, where she served on the board as treasurer for several years. She also served with the Sisters Who Care group. She also served as a member of the Boy Scouts of America Troop #135 committee and a member of the committee for Pack #135. She received many awards from the Scouts including the Award of Merit, the highest award of the Two Bays District.

Ruth lit up a room with her smile, and loved the LORD with all her heart. She enjoyed travelling with her son on trips to Disney; her daughter Cheryl on trips to New York; and Sue and Nelson on trips to the beach with her honey where they could sit for hours on the boardwalk people watching. She also enjoyed shopping and sitting on the swing with her daughter Linda. Her youngest great-grandchild Kaylin brought her hours of joy and held a very special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Gilbert; her mother, Clara Cox; a sister Marie Williams; and her in-laws Violet and Olin Clampitt.

She is survived by her children, Cheryl (Ronald) Depew, of Blades, DE; Sue (Nelson) Mesick, of Smyrna; Linda Earls (Jay Weldy), of Smyrna; and Gilbert B. (Kelly) Clampitt, of Smyrna; grandchildren, Craige DePew, Deana (Mike) Hearn, Monica St John, Joseph Mesick (Sheri), Nelson (Chris) Mesick II, April (Rich) Wickham, Ward (Metty) Mesick; Gilbert David Anthony (Veronica) Clampitt, Gilbert Patrick Allen Clampitt, Gilbert Matthew Robert Clampitt, Annastasia Nicole-Lin Clampitt, John Joseph Markel, Nicholas Ryan Markel, Julianna Marie Markel, Kelsey Ann Markel, great-grandchildren,  Destine and Keirstin Depew, Megan, Ryan, and Gabe Hearn, Angie and Marc St John, Shawna Kirlin, Andrea' Hughes, Erica Smith, Victora and Ashton Mesick, Jennifer Thomas, Joseph Simmons, Elyse and Adalia Mesick; and great-great-grandchildren Parker St John, L J Kirlin, CC Hughes, Branden, Elijah, T J, Tyler Thomas, Jayden, Adia, and Liam Simmons, and Kaylin Clampitt.

She is also survived by close friends, Pastor Robert Jones and wife Sarah; Pastor Dave Souder and wife Deb; Chaplain Sam Houchins and wife Margaret; and Pastor Keith Noel.

A special thank you to her doctors and staff at Bayhealth Kent General Hospital, Delaware Hospice, and Prime Care Ambulance.

Services will be held 12:00 PM Saturday July 8 at Smyrna Wesleyan Church, 433 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, where friends may call at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Smyrna.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Smyrna Wesleyan Church, 433 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, DE 19977.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com .

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.