Ruth Kathleen Smith (Laughing Water)
I was alone and the mother of three children. My heart was trampled on. One night I couldn't sleep so I turned on the TV and heard a message about Jesus. I gave my life to Him and He gave me so much more and took away all my bitterness and anger and gave me a new husband.
Small beginnings
Born on the Onondaga Reservation near Syracuse, New York, my Native name is Laughing Water. We lived on the reservation until I was four.
My parents were both Syracuse University graduates. After a powwow that ended unhappily for my father, he joined the U.S. Army.
We were from the Turtle Clan and he wanted to be from the Bear or Wolf. In the Army we seemed to move every five years, living in Army base housing. We returned to the Onondaga Reservation to see relatives when we could.
My grandfather on my father's side was related to the Sharenhowanen. My grandmother was the daug...
