Ruth Dooley Wetzel, 78, passed away Thursday, Dec. 15, in Smithfield at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Patty and Ellis Wills, and surrounded by her family. 

Mrs. Wetzel was born in Carrollton, Mo., and was the daughter of James and Mary Dooley. She was predeceased by her brothers, Travis, Kenneth, George, Carl “ Jack” and Jerry Dooley. Mrs. Wetzel and her former husband, Dr. William C. Wetzel, worked many years together at the Wetzel Medical Clinic in Carrollton, where she was a nurse.  She moved to Virginia in 2010.

She is survived by her daughters, Patty Wills (Ellis) of Smithfield, and Dee Ann Nibarger (Eddie) of Springfield, Mo.; grandchildren, Lauren Wills, Caroline Devers (Jakob), Kaitlyn Wills, Darcie Jones (Brenton) and Derrick Boling; three great-grandchildren and 15 nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 3 p.m. at Smithfield Baptist Church, with Dr. Don Rhoton officiating. The family will receive family and friends following the service in the sanctuary. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions to be made to Smithfield Baptist Church, 100 Wainwright Drive , Smithfield, VA 23430
Parr Funeral Home is handling arrangements.