Ruth Virginia (Smith) Ruth was freed from earthly pain on March 7, 2018. Ruth was born on March 27, 1929 to Grady E. & Lettie B. Smith in Rockford, Illinois. Ruth lived in 10 different states as she was growing up & traveled with her Smith family as her Father was assigned new jobs. Her favorite memories which she liked to recall were of Hartford, CT keeping in touch with a former principal & a childhood friend for many years. Ruth & Benny Ruth were married July 16, 1949, after meeting on a blind date where he knew “she was the one” as he watched her “float” down the staircase. They graduated from Reagan High School in Houston, Texas. Ruth was a member of the Elk Cadets drill team. Ruth was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Mary Jane Cole, & brothers, Bill & Paul Smith. She was proud of her Smith family & mourned their loss until she joined them.
Ruth & Benny had three children they raised in Galena Park, Texas where Ruth was a homemaker, Girl Scout leader & President of a local PTA, subsequently becoming President of the 11th District of PTA in Texas. She also was a frequent volunteer for many charities including March of Dimes & Easter Seals. After raising her family, Ruth entered the workforce as a Teacher’s Assistant at McArthur Elementary in the GPISD & learned to drive with Benny patiently teaching her so she could achieve her goal of becoming a teacher. She graduated with Honors at U of H Clear Lake, Texas. She had a job “waiting for her” as a 5th grade teacher in the GPISD upon graduation. She also worked many years at Green Valley Elementary retiring there in 1992.
Ruth enjoyed making wonderful memories for her family & also enjoyed many wonderful trips with her husband & family. Hawaii was one of her favorite locations for a vacation. Ruth was an accomplished cook & baker. She believed all cookies, cakes, and pies should be homemade! Each family member can tell you of their favorite recipe that she made perfectly, particularly Christmas cookies which she generously gifted to friends as well. She hosted & cooked for many family Holiday celebrations. Ruth was a beautiful, sweet woman who was ahead of her generation in being a “strong woman” who displayed her determination to complete any task she set for herself. She lit up every room she entered. Ruth truly was the Queen of our family. Ruth enjoyed Benny singing to her in her later years particularly, Willie Nelson's arrangement of "Always on My Mind".
Ruth is survived by her husband of 68+ years, Benny, her children, Sharon Faseler (Clyde), Laura Agee (Ravi), & Bob Ruth (Carolyn). She had 6 grandchildren, Jonathan King (Jessica), Kate Agee-Hunt (Matthew), Benjamin Ruth (Addy), Justin Agee, Tim Ruth (Anna) & Jason Ruth. Ruth also had 12 great-grandchildren. Ruth dearly loved her nieces & nephews & was proud of their accomplishments. They are David Cole, Steven Cole, Susan Cole-Thiele, William Cole & Pamela Smith Falzon. She also had many friends through the years that she remembered fondly. Ruth died as she lived, with grace.
Ruth had collected many poems & quotes with side notes she had written found after her death. The following Irish saying is “author unknown” but memorable to share:
“When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling-live your life so that when you die, you’re smiling and everyone around you is crying”.
