Ruth Ann Nelson Smith

Ruth was born in Pennsylvania to Galey Nelson and Lona Nelson on January 23, 1929- the same day Wyatt Earp died. Galey was an Executive VP with Ford Motor Corporation and the family located in his Midwest district. Ruth attended St. Joseph’s Academy (Des Moines). Upon graduation, she attended Drake University and earned a B.S. in Education. She was also a member of her beloved Delta Gamma Sorority. She immediately earned employment with Delta Airlines as a stewardess. Later, Ruth was hired by United Airlines and spent nearly a year in Denver, CO. teaching stewardesses. While flying for United she met the love of her life, Bill Smith. They would marry in 1956. A marriage that lasted until her passing- 57 years. Bill and Ruth had three children- Kevin, Kimberly, and Kelly.

The family moved from Chatsworth to Westlake Village in May of 1968. The family resided there for 45 years, and it was where Ruth dedicated herself to numerous community organizations. Dearest to her were the National Charity League where she was elected the first president of the Westlake chapter and Las Primeras. Ruth volunteered at White Oak Elementary, was a member of the Westlake Yacht Club and the Westlake Women’s Golf Association. In her free time Ruth could be found at one of many bridge tables in the Conejo. It was in the incredible community of Westlake that Ruth met so many life-long friends and shared numerous adventures that she cherished.

Ruth’s siblings, Polly Brauer, Mary Kay Murphy and John Nelson preceded her in death along with her daughter, Kimberly Smith Bradley. Surviving family members include her husband Bill; son Kevin and his wife Karlene Smith and their daughters- Lauren and Emily; son Kelly and his wife Valorie Smith and their sons- Dalton and Daniel; Kim’s daughter Jillian and her husband Chase Lewis; nephew Bob Brauer, and many other nieces and nephews of the William and Mary Kay Murphy Clan.

Ruth’s family wishes to thank Dr. Paul Block and Buena Vista Hospice for their compassionate care.