Ruth Patton Smith

Ruth Patton Smith, 95, of Lenoir passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at Shaire Center in Lenoir.

Mrs. Smith was born September 28, 1920 in Burke County to the late William Harrison Patton and Verna Ball Patton.

Mrs. Smith was a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She graduated from Lenoir Rhyne University in 1941, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in math and a minor in english. and taught in the Caldwell County School System for 38 years, most of those years, from 1956 -1977 were spent at Lenoir High School. Ruth “Pat” placed a great value on education, teaching was her true passion. She took great pride in the many lives that were influenced through her teaching.

Mrs. Smith has been a member of First Baptist Church in Lenoir since 1954. Ruth “Pat” was also an avid Bridge Player, and she loved cooking for her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; Boyd J. Smith, grandson; Aaron Thomas Sain, step-grandson; Richard Smith, 3 sister and 6 brothers.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter; Karen Smith Sain and husband Gary of Bethleham NC, son; Kenneth E. Smith and wife Shirley of Wallace, NC and a step-son; Jerry A. Smith and wife Ann of Las Vegas, Nevada. Also left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service to honor Mrs. Smith will be held on Sunday, July 24, 2016 at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Lenoir with Reverend Josh Hughes officiating.

Burial at Blue Ridge Memorial Park will follow.

The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service, from 12:45 pm until 1:45 pm at the church.

Mrs. Smith’s grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Shaire Center in Lenoir for the love, care and compassion shown to their mother and to the family over the years she was in their facility.

Memorial may be made to First Baptist Church of Lenoir (Backpack Program) at 304 Main Street Lenoir, NC 28645

Online condolences may be placed at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com.

Pendry’s Lenoir Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Ruth Patton Smith.