Ruth “Rue” Rosemary (McAlister) Smith Skinner was born 25 Feb. 1933 in Rawlins, Wyoming, the fifth of six children of Earl and Ethel McAlister. 

From birth through high school graduation, she lived in nearby Sinclair, WY.  Immediately after high school graduation, she married John “Jack” Smith an airman at Castle AFB.  They had one child, Earl F. Smith.  In the mid.-1960’s, she began working as a DOD civil service employee at Castle AFB.  Shortly thereafter, she was divorced from MSgt Smith.  Ruth was a longtime resident of Atwater and Merced.  On 23 October 1971, she married Donald W. Skinner at the Castle AFB chapel.  Mrs. Skinner has been a resident of Turlock for the past twenty years.  Mrs. Skinner died peaceably 14 January 2022 at the Covenant Living of Turlock Care Center.  Mrs. Skinner was predeceased by all five of her siblings and her son Earl F. Smith.  She is survived by her husband of fifty years Donald W. Skinner (Major, USAF, Retired) and two grandsons, Earl W. Smith and Don E. Smith. 

A graveside service at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 W. McCabe Rd., Gustine, CA will be held at a future time and date.