Emily Catherine Smith, the daughter of Effie Milligan and Andy Jacob Smith, was born in Warren County, Iowa on August 21, 1918.  She was united in marriage to Russell Porter in Yakima, Washington on May 31, 1944.  To this union were born three children, George Lenard Porter born in Vancouver, WA. now of Anaheim, CA, Eldon Leroy Porter born in Indianola, now of Petal, MS, and Karla Estele Porter born in Indianola now of Hemet, CA.  She is also survived by her grandchildren Christopher Porter Whitely of Mascotte, Fl, Shawn Baker of Marysvale, UT, Rhonda Porter of Hamilton, N.J., and Eric Porter of Centerville, VA, sisters Gladys Chumbley, Freda Boucher and Meda Lamb and brother Glen Smith.

Catherine was baptized in the First Baptist Church in Indianola and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior in Des Moines, IA in 1937.

On May 10, 1971 she was united in marriage to Arnold E. Ruth.  In the early part of their marriage they were full time campers spending the winters in California and the summers in Minnesota.  Arnold passed away May 24, 1987 in Des Moines after a lingering illness.

Catherine spent her working years caring for the ill and elderly.  In Indianola she operated the Porter Nursing Home.  She also put forth great effort working with interdenominational churches and campgrounds.  On October 8, 1989 Catherine joined the House of Praise Family Church and World Wide Outreach.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 4, 2005 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to services on Tuesday.