Ruth Vannatta

Ruth Byrd Vannatta, age 76, of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly Friday, May 7, 2010 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born October 18, 1933 in Albany, Kentucky to the late Howard Dayton and Cora (Dalton) Smith.

She had been employed at Bills Restaurant, Heritage House, Holly Hill, and New Castle Community School Cafeteria. She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene where she was active with funeral dinners. She loved spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her husband: Mike Vannatta, whom she married November, 15, 1979; five children: Sam (wife: Bev) Byrd of Merriam, Kansas, Bob (wife: Shelly) Vannatta of Tennessee, Jean Boggs of New Castle, Terry Lynn Vannatta of Muncie, Karen Hall of New Castle; ten grandchildren: Kimberly Lynn Bennett, Mike (wife: Valerie) Boggs, Matthew Byrd, Katye Byrd, Bobbie Jo Lawson, Courtney Hall, Molly Hall, Abby Vannatta, Amy Vannatta, Brandon Vannatta; five great grandchildren: Sean, Ashley, Joey Bennett, Kaitlyn Boggs and Macaylah Thompson; and several nieces and nephews including Joyce (husband: Phillip) Kidd and their daughter: Vickie Kidd; Howard, Mark, and Scott Smith; a sister-in-law: Carol (husband: Benny) Atterson

She was preceded in death by a son: Benny Byrd, a brother: Howard C. Smith, two sisters: Roxie Duke and Ruby Dowell.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Reverends Danny Goddard and Leon Davis officiating. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery, West Lawn Addition. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Monday, May 10, 2010 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene with envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com .