Ruby N. Smith

Ruby spent her childhood in the small town of Galena Park. In addition to being valedictorian and graduating high school a year early, she was a first-chair clarinet player in her high school band. After graduation, she was selected to be a member of an orchestra that traveled the South playing for U.S. military troops.

In August of 1951, Ruby married the one love of her life, Audry W. Smith, who preceded her in death. They were together for more than 50 happy years. She had two daughters, Susan Gail (special needs) and Karen Ann. Ruby dedicated her life to caring for Susan Gail until she passed at the age of 28.

Two of Ruby’s loves were going to the beach and gardening with her daughter. You would often find her on the back patio enjoying all the flowers and plants she and Karen tended. Most people probably didn’t know, but Ruby was also a voracious reader. She so enjoyed using her Kindle to work a daily crossword and read novels. At 91 years-old, her mind was still razor sharp and she could recall every detail of the storyline.

A cornerstone of Ruby’s life was her Christian faith. As a member of the Covenant of Faith Methodist Church for over 30 years, she served in various leadership positions on the hospitality and finance committees which she remained on until her death. In the early years, she was actively involved in many initiatives that supported the church and community-at-large.

Ruby’s lifestyle reflected her

commitment to the Lord. In her later years, she was a “prayer warrior” who would thoughtfully and diligently pray three times a day not only for those on the church prayer list, but for anyone who crossed her path in need. Her church family will miss seeing her in her usual spot with a smile for all.

Ruby is survived by her daughter, Karen Smith, and extended family members: Margie Lenz and Kim Deloach whom she considered her “adopted” daughters, and Kim’s children whom she cherished as her own grandchildren from the moment they were born: Chanelle DeLoach, Danielle DeLoach Matheny, and Cameron DeLoach.