June 29, 2008: Ruthanne Smith Deanda

Ruthanne Smith Deanda, 67, of Glendale, AZ, surrounded by her family, was called to her heavenly home June 25th, 2008, after battling ALS for 5 years. She joins her parents, Ralph & Jane Smith, grandparents Ray & Mary Higham and Leland & Louese Smith, father-in-law Victor Deanda, and son-in-law Jeff Shepple, in God's loving embrace. She was born in Westdale, NY in 1941. After college, she joined the Air Force where she met and married the love of her life, Antonio. As an Air Force wife, she moved her family around the world and back with a patriots heart. Always full of joy and laughter, she loved to share stories and tons of family pictures. Deeply loving, she gave her time to her family and church community. Faithfully, she devoted her time to the Lay Carmelite Order, Knights of Columbus, and enjoyed sharing her Rosary collection. She is survived by her adoring husband of almost 43 years, Antonio; her life's greatest gifts, her 4 children, Steven (Maria) Deanda, Catherine Shepple, Luisa (Joseph) Lukaszewski, and Elizabeth (Michael) Hudspeth; her 2 step-children, Victor Deanda and Debbie Deanda; her 10 Grandchildren who were her hearts delight; brother R. Steven (Arlene) Smith, sisters Roberta (Bernie) Neu, Mary (Richard) Taglieri, Miriam (Jim) Parmelee; her aunt, Miriam Smith, and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. All services will be at St. Raphael's Catholic Church, 5525 W. Acoma Rd, Glendale. Visitation will be Friday June 27 from 5-7pm, with Prayer at 7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday June 28 at 10 am, with Internment to follow at Phoenix Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in her memory be made to the Arizona Chapter of ALS at 4643 E. Thomas Rd., Suite 1 Phoenix AZ 85018-7740 or through her fund via this website:http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/Events/Arizona?pg=ffind&fr_id=2724. My Ruthie, Mom, Sis, Grandma D, Aunt Ruth, Dear Friend, you are our hero. You are dearly missed, but we are eternally grateful to have you watching over and guiding us from Heaven.
Published in The Arizona Republic on 6/28/2008.

June 25, 2008: Mary T called this morning with the information that Ruthie passed away early this morning in AZ. Funeral arrangements are incomplete, but anticipated for Saturday June 28. She suggests people may wish to donate to ALS of Arizona in Ruthie's memory. The link to the ALS web site can be found at Ruthie's web site, www.runforruthie.net As soon as other information becomes available we will post it here. The funeral will be held at St. Raphael's Church, Saturday at 10 A.M.

Mary indicated she, Steve, Roberta, and Miriam and their spouses plan to fly out for the funeral.

June 22, 2008: Word from Richard Sauerzopf from his mother that he was in Arizona, June 15-18, and had the opportunity to visit Ruthie and Tony. He greatly enjoyed the visit.

January 30, 2008 - A call today from Steve to report he had a "heart event" starting last Friday evening at work. Aspirin and rest and symptoms subsided, but then returned. More aspirin and a trip to the hospital in Watertown. Quick assessment that he had suffered a "heart event" and would be transferred at his request to Crouse-Irving in Syracuse where he would see his cardiologist. Ambulance ride to Syracuse, more assessment, then catheterization, then two stents placed removing the problem. He returned home Tuesday with orders to rest for a while. He says he feels good and will see the doctor in a couple of weeks for follow up. In the meantime he is taking a closer look at retirement.

Many of you know that the web site for my sister, Ruthie, has been down for some time. Due to some computer problems, Dr. Barry lost it for awhile. He has worked very hard to get it back up and running and it now is available again!! However, he no longer can use runforruthie.com. The new web site is www.runforruthie.net - check it out! Some of the previous messages that were sent to Ruthie have been lost. So, please, if you see your message is missing, send another one. Or send a new one. She will see it!!

I can't tell you how much these messages mean to Ruthie. This disease, ALS, is a horrible thing. She now is only able to open and shut her eyes with some effort. But she still can smile a little. She is still clear of mind so anything that can keep her spirits up is a wonderful thing!

Ruthie's daughter, Cathy Shepple sends the following: Hello family! Hello friends of Aunt Mary & Uncle Richard!! Our family thanks you for your prayers for Mom. She can still nod and shake her head but the movements are sometimes very slight and that sometimes seems to take some effort depending on how tired she is. She has been sleeping a lot lately but perks up for us when we visit.
She told me yesterday that she feels that it is just the progression of the disease, but she is not going anywhere. I watch a televised Mass with her on Sunday mornings that is broadcast live from our cathedral here in Phoenix. She spells out what she needs with the use of an alphabet board. I am not much of a comedian, but I try to crack jokes to get her to laugh. A big smile usually crosses her face when Dad comes in.

An answering machine is setup in her room so we can call her and she can hear us. She especially enjoys getting messages from the grandkids (HINT!!HINT!!).
Her number is 602-393-5745.

We have not been able to get on the internet in her room since the family doesn't have dial up anymore. I am working on wireless options but in the mean time,
please send your messages and we'll print and share them with Mom. We'll also be having Dr. Barry put some updates on the website concerning happenings on the AZ ALS website. I am attaching a recent picture of Mom & Dad for you to enjoy!

Aunt Miriam Smith has moved. Now residing at a senior living community, St. Johns Meadows, 1 Johnsarbor Drive West, Rochester, NY 14620.

August 22, 2007: Bernie and Roberta are moving back to New York State, returning to Freedom Village, Lakemont, NY, where they will operate a Bed and Breakfast. Bernie will retire, fully, in about 10 months. Meanwhile he is recovering from shoulder surgery. They are looking forward to being with their children and grandchildren and near relatives.

July 2, 2007: Mary and Richard announced they are in the process of moving to their new home. Mary says, "Our new address is 282 Penn Lane, Rochester, NY 14625. We are actually in Penfield, but have a Rochester ZIP."

June 15-16, 2007: It is on a sad note that I wish to inform of the passing away of of our son-in-law Jeffrey Shepple, loving husband, of our daughter Catherine Shepple from injuries received in the crash of a "quad" vehicle on the outskirts of the town of Maricopa. Funeral arrangements are pending at St Timothy Church. Please keep the Shepple and Deanda Families in your thoughts, prayers, and for that we Thank You. In Faith and Love for Our Lord Jesus, Tony and Ruthanne

This is a request for prayers and thoughts for my family. My niece Cathy (see above) lost her husband, Jeff Shepple, in an ATV accident on Thursday. This is one of Ruthie's sons-in-law. We are all very shocked and very sad about this. Jeff was a great guy. But as always, we have many, many blessings to hold on to. Especially the love of each other and all of you. Thank you all so much for that! Ruthie has become much weaker lately. Her ALS is taking its toll. They did tell her about Jeff right away. She is still clear of mind and must be kept informed of life outside of her hospital room. Since I went to Arizona to see all of them in April, and since Richard and I are in the middle of moving, I can't go out right now. But no doubt will go in the fall.

Thanks to all of you for being with us through another tough time.

Love, Mary & Richard

May 4, 2007: From Mary, dated 04/29/06: Yes, there is news from the Smith clan!
[Ed. Note: See January 8, 2007 below for Mary's initial piece about Rita Anne.]On Jan. 6, 2007 Rita Anne Lukaszewski was born. She is Luisa & Joe's 5th child and Ruthie & Tony's 9th grandchild! She is beautiful (of course)! There is a picture of Ruthie & Rita on the web site www.runforruthie.com . The Anne in her name is after Grandma Ruthanne.

Also - Dave & Evelyn Smith are now proud grandparents! Merritt & Pat had a girl on Jan. 17, 2007. Her name is Brianna Vincentia Smith. We saw her when we were out in Arizona. She is beautiful, too, and they are very happy!

Next - Rob & Megan Neu had a boy on April 18, 2007. His name is Brice Edward and all is well there, too! This makes Roberta & Bernie's 5th grandchild.