Ruth Matruder Smythe

Ruth Louise Matruder Smythe of Rehoboth Beach, DE died peacefully with her children at her side on May 20, 2024.  Most people knew Ruth as a prominent attorney and fierce advocate, both in private practice and as a Public Defender for the State of Delaware.  But more importantly, everyone knew Ruth as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  

Born in West Hazleton, Pennsylvania in 1940 to Evelyn Marie Miller and Karl Hermann August Krause, Ruth was the eldest of three children.  Ruth loved the outdoors, often exploring and hiking through the woods, or swimming in the Spring Water fed swimming pool built by hand by her father, Karl.   Ruth also enjoyed traveling the western United States with her family, often joining her parents on western adventures once Ruth had a family of her own. Ruth’s favorite jewelry was Native American inspired turquoise pieces, no doubt a taste acquired from her many trips out west. 

Ruth attended Tamaqua High School where she met and eventually married her high school sweetheart, Jack (John C.) Matruder. Ruth and Jack moved to the greater Philadelphia area after high school, finally settling in Wilmington, Delaware where Ruth attended Goldey-Beacom College and the University of Delaware. Ruth also worked in real estate for B. Garry Scott Realtor where she eventually became a sales associate in the Residential Division in 1972.  In that same year, Ruth received the National Business Education Association Award of Merit, an association membership, as the outstanding business education major at the University of Delaware.  After graduating from University of Delaware with a Business Education degree, Ruth joined what is now called the State of Delaware Office of Defense Services as a legal assistant. 

After being exposed to law from both the business and criminal justice sides, Ruth enrolled at Widener University Delaware Law School.  Ruth received her Juris Doctorate and passed the Delaware bar exam in 1979, becoming one of the first 80 women admitted to the Delaware Bar. Ruth enjoyed a career in both private practice, specializing in family law and real estate, and for the State of Delaware Office of Defense Services in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties.  

Ruth’s love of serving her community lead her to run for the statewide office of Insurance Commissioner in 1988.  Ruth was appointed to and served on the New Castle County Ethics Commission for many years and was active in the Delaware Commission for Women. When Ruth was not busy representing or defending a client, she enjoyed teaching law at the local community college, something she continued to do throughout her retirement years.  

In the late 1980’s, Ruth met her soon-to-be husband, Donald Smythe, while they were simultaneously running their campaigns for public office. They married in 1988 and spent the next three plus decades of life together with a blended family of children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Though Ruth loved travel, socializing at the club, boating and sunset sails with her husband, family, and friends, Ruth’s favorite role was being a grandparent. She treasured time with Don and their grandkids and loved being their “Grandmother,” fully living up to the adage that grandparents spoil their grandchildren.  Ruth cherished watching her grandchildren start families of their own and lived to be the ultimate great grandmother as she welcomed 9 great grandchildren into her life. Ruth logged endless miles on DE Route 1 North to spend time, babysit, and never miss a school, sport, or family event.   

When it came to friends, the list is too long to mention, but it was the quality of long-lasting friendships Ruth made over the years with business colleagues, neighbors, and together with Don that made all the difference. Whether a local night out for dinner or a cruise on the Mediterranean, Ruth knew that great friends made the experience even more memorable.  

An avid reader, there wasn’t a day you would find Ruth without a book. She especially enjoyed knowing what books her grandchildren were reading and exchanging books with them. Ruth had a green thumb, lovingly tending to her outdoor gardening, rose beds, and thriving indoor plants. While Ruth had many special recipes, her signature “cranberry applesauce” was a favorite at every holiday dinner and she passed that infamous recipe and tradition to her daughter, Kim and granddaughter, Meghan. 

Ruth will always be remembered as being the matriarch of her family.  She hosted countless holidays and parties, bringing her family together on any given day, weekend, or holiday. Never missing the opportunity to live life to its fullest, Ruth enjoyed every moment, and created lasting memories with those dearests to her.  

Ruth is predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Donald R. Smythe, her first husband John C. Matruder (Jack), mother and father Evelyn M. and Karl H.A. Krause, brothers Robert and Richard Krause, son Scott Matruder, daughter-in-law Michele Matruder, stepdaughter Donna Smythe, and stepson David Smythe.  Ruth is survived by her daughter Kim Roop (husband Jay), son Mark Matruder (wife Danielle), stepdaughter Elaine Smythe, grandchildren AJ Roop (wife Meghan), Meghan Roop Reynolds (husband Greg), Ryan Matruder, Amanda Matruder, Lindsey Matruder Pease (husband Gavin), Connor Crompton, Alexa Smythe Viola and 9 great grandchildren.   

A funeral service will be held at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 starting at 12:00 PM, May 30, 2024, with a viewing beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow the service at Lawn Croft Cemetery.