Ruth Theresa Polk, 82, passed away on May 4, 2026. Born on January 10,1944 in Plains, PA, she was a uniquely sweet, playful and loving soul whose gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her. She was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, and her memory will be cherished always.
Ruth graduated from Plains High School in 1962 and spent her life surrounded by the people she loved most. She lived with her parents for all of their days — first in Plains, then in Paterson, NJ, where the family owned and operated a Planter's Peanut Store, and finally at her favorite place of all: the family farm in Orange, PA. For decades, she cherished the peaceful views of rolling fields and beautiful blue skies.
The farm was the heart of family life, and Ruth loved the simple joy of being there whether for all of the family gatherings or quiet afternoons sitting on the porch or by the pool. Family was the center of her world, and she was blessed that her sister Peg (and Peg's husband John) were always part of her life — supporting, advocating, and including her in everything.  After her parents passed, Peg and John, along with their children, created many wonderful experiences for her, from little trips and beach vacations to cross-country adventures to see the splendor of America and visit extended family. Ruthie relished every part of it — the planning, the anticipation, even the packing!  And later, she'd relive it all through her treasured photo albums.
Ruth belonged to Plains Methodist Church and Trucksville United Methodist Church.  She worked side‑by‑side with her mother in hospitality at Wilkes Barre General Hospital, their Planter's Peanut store, and later she was active in the WBGH Auxiliary. From childhood, she was so adorable that friends often called her "such a doll."  That sweetness stayed with her throughout her life.
She was a thoughtful friend who enthusiastically looked forward to every reunion and every lunch outing with high school friends even in her later years. Her library of photo albums — along with her cherished yearbooks — documented many of her travels, friendships, and experiences with a care and pride that showed just how much those moments meant to her.
Ruth also had her own unmistakable joys. Her crush on Elvis Presley never waned, she took on a variety of crafts that she always mastered, and later in life, her television was almost always tuned to old westerns — she could quote nearly any John Wayne movie line by heart. And when something struck her as funny, she never held back. She'd throw her head back and unleash a robust, out‑loud belly laugh that filled the room; it was so contagious that everyone around her ended up laughing right along with her.
Ruth was sweet from birth, and she remained that way every day of her life.
The daughter of the late Michael and Theresa (Paulhamous) Polk, Ruth is survived by her devoted sister, Margaret "Peg" Smith and husband, John, of Orange, PA,  her beloved nieces and nephews: Mary Brown of Harding; Doug (Dana) Smith of Riverside, CA; Bruce (Bezayda) Smith of Dallas, PA; and Jane (Daniel) Messinger of Trucksville, PA; as well as fifteen great‑nieces and great‑nephews whose lives brought her tremendous joy.
The family gratefully acknowledges the compassionate care provided by Laura Teal, Meadows Manor, Meadows Skilled Nursing, and Serenity Hospice of Wyoming Valley.
Services will be private and held at the discretion of the family. Arrangements are under the care of Yeosock Funeral Home. Condolence cards may be sent to Margaret Smith, 514 Orange Rd., Dallas, PA 18612.