Ruth Louise Matruder Smythe, accomplished attorney

Ruth Louise Matruder Smythe, 84, of Rehoboth Beach passed away peacefully Monday, May 20, 2024.

She was born in West Hazleton, Pa., in 1940, to Evelyn Marie Miller and Karl Hermann August Krause, the eldest of three children. Ruth attended Tamaqua High School, Goldey-Beacom College and University of Delaware before obtaining her juris doctorate at Widener University Delaware Law School. She enjoyed a career as a practicing attorney working in both private practice and for the State of Delaware Office of Defense Services in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties. 

Ruth is predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Donald R. Smythe; her first husband, John C. Matruder; 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 and Alexa Smythe Viola; and nine great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at noon, Thursday, May 30, at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, with a viewing beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will follow the service at Lawn Croft Cemetery. 

To leave online condolences, visit Chandlerfuneralhome.com.