Ruth Smith Kaufman

Ruth Smith Kaufman, 95, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, KY.
 
She was born to the late Jim Smith and Orpha (Dillard) Smith on June 23, 1930. Ruth married David Harrison Kaufman on April 18, 1953; they lived together in their family home from November 1959 until their deaths. Ruth is survived by two sons, Scott Kaufman (wife Kris Lantz-Kaufman) of Jacksonville, IL, and Mark Kaufman of Winston Salem, NC; grandchild Julien Leigh Kaufman (spouse Kelton Ingram) of St. Louis, MO; sister Pauline (Smith) Huish of Charlotte, NC; two granddogs BusyBee Kaufman of Jacksonville, IL, and Jasmine Kaufman of Winston-Salem, NC; and two great-granddogs, Petra and Finch Kaufman-Ingram of St. Louis, MO. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband David, her parents and siblings, Billie (Smith) Gillian of Alton, IL, Dola Smith of Alton, IL, Bill Smith of Sparta, IL, and Joanne (Smith) Kerr of Lafayette, IN.
 
Ruth attended high school in New Haven, IL, and moved to Paducah in 1950. She attended Draughn's Business College in Paducah and earned a secretarial assistant degree. She later attended technical training for drafting and worked as a draftsperson at Union Carbide in the 1970s. She attended First Christian Church in Paducah.
 
Ruth was an avid and talented crafter and seamstress. She was a member of local crafting groups from the 1980s until she died. Ruth made dear, forever friends there, taking trips together and gathering weekly to work on projects. When Ruth saw or thought of a project she wanted to do, she always got it done, regardless of the size or scope. From tiny, delicate, hand-painted pieces to recovering and refinishing furniture, to building a fireplace surround and mantel…her patience, talent, and creativity were undeniable.
 
Ruth was loved by her community for her graciousness, humor, and engaging nature. She was a joy to muse and laugh with.  She will be greatly missed.
 
The family invites loved ones to share stories about Ruth for her celebration of life. Folks are welcome to share their stories during the service, or someone can read your comments for you. Please email to klantzkaufman@gmail.com.
 
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.
 
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the service hour of 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
 
Expressions of Sympathy may be made in the form of contributions to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
 
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.