Ruth Ann was born on January 15, 1934 to Mary Helen Eckstein Barker and Roger Harris Barker in Rutherford, TN. The family moved to Trenton, TN where Ruth Ann attended elementary school and graduated from Peabody High School. While in high school, Ruth Ann was the recipient of the DAR Citizenship Award, was a cheerleader, and represented Trenton at the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival.
Following graduation from high school, Ruth Ann attended Christian College in Columbia, MO and The University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she introduced the first “Smokey” to over 100,000 people in Neyland Stadium. She then graduated from Lambuth College. Ruth Ann was elected to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.
In 1953, Ruth Ann was selected to represent Gibson County in the first Miss Tennessee Pageant held in Jackson. She won the title of Miss Tennessee and represented the state in the 1953 Miss America Pageant.
In 1955, Ruth Ann became the wife of William Jerry Smith. They had 68 wonderful years together raising their four children: Gerry Ann Aldrich (Mark) of Jackson, Roger Harris Smith (Rebecca) of Jackson, Mary Elizabeth Smith (Ara) of Albuquerque, NM and Carolyn Vaughan (Jev) of Jackson.
Ruth Ann was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church serving in various capacities through the years. She taught in the children’s department and in the youth and adult departments. Ruth Ann served on the Board of Trustees for Lambuth University. She served as President of the Jackson Service League and was involved in many civic activities through the years.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Roger Harris and Mary Helen Eckstein Barker; her sister, Nancy Jane Barker, her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. James Harris Barker and Ann Barker; her brother, Dr. Roger William Barker; and her parent’s-in-law, George Arthur and Elizabeth Robbins Smith.
In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her grandchildren, William Mark Aldrich, Elizabeth Robbins Aldrich Grossman, Rebecca Ronk Smith Nenon, George Arthur Smith II, Mariah Ruth Ann Smith-Fassler, Ali Smith-Fassler, Keaton Smith-Fassler, Jacobi Smith, Joseph Peyton Vaughan, Caroline Elizabeth Vaughan, and Courtney Paige Vaughan Norwood; and her great grandchildren, Margaret Sue Nenon, Amelia Elizabeth Nenon, Adaline Ann Smith, Eleanor Elizabeth Smith, and George Arthur Smith III.
Funeral services for Ruth Ann will be held on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary at First United Methodist Church, 200 South Church St., Jackson. Prior to the service, the family will gather for a private committal service and interment at Ridgecrest Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service in Clayton Hall at First United Methodist Church.
The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice and Ruth Ann’s special caregivers for their love and kindness.
The family requests that memorials in Ruth Ann’s memory be directed to First United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the Smith family.
