Ruth Louise (Barkley) Smyre

Ruth Barkley Smyre peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 20, 2023. Formerly of Hickory, NC, she resided in Hendersonville, TN, for many years and most recently in Gallatin, TN. Ruth lived to be 102 and was beloved and honored by her family and those who passed before her.

Ruth was preceded in death by her cherished husband Uray Smyre and her dearly loved son Larry Elvin. She is also preceded her parents William Thomas Barkley and Leola Pearl Jones Barkley and her nine siblings--brothers Dewell, Earnest, David, Troy, Will, Don, and Ned, and her sisters Catherine and Julia.

In 1992, she moved to Hendersonville to be with her dear brother Dewell Barkley, his wife Robbie Hudson Barkley, and their two sons Heath and Nick. Dewell was Ruth’s constant supporter and spiritual guide, and Dewell cared deeply for Ruth as she had cared for Dewell in his young life. Robbie is Ruth’s true angel and best friend and loved Ruth with all her heart. Robbie was by Ruth’s side in her final years and in the final days—her enduring comfort as she found her way to Heaven. Ruth was so loved and honored by her grandchildren Bart, Patrick, and Leslie, and her special great grandchildren Frances, who shared her birthday, and Ruth, who shared her name. Ruth’s days were also brightened by Heath and Nick’s children, her treasured great nieces and nephews—Maddon, Stella, Maisy, Michael, Sanorina, Josie, and Sergio.

Ruth was full of grace and a true servant. She was known for her endless love for her family, her thoughtful and kind nature, her positive outlook on life, and her deeply rooted faith. She was loyal and dedicated—a loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, great aunt, and friend. In her young life when her mother passed, she stepped in to care for her siblings and neighbors and tend to the family home. She cared for those around her beyond measure and inspired them all.

Ruth was a poised and fabled Southern lady who kept her house as neat as a pin. She cooked a mean breakfast until she was 98! She never complained a day in her life and always had a fantastic sense of humor. Her family members, and especially her grandchildren, loved to surround her as she told stories of her whole life and those around her—something she could do right up to her passing. She kept her brain sharp until the day she met her maker. Her grandchildren recount the time with Ruth and their Grandad as among their best life memories--Ruth spoiled them with love, good cooking, and fun times at her home.

Ruth was a life-long Baptist and devout Christian. Her parents were founding members of West Hickory Baptist Church, the church in which she grew up. And her mother was also the organist there. In Tennessee, she was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Hendersonville where she loved to worship with Dewell and Robbie.

A heartfelt thanks goes to the loving and generous team, especially Patsy and Stephanie, at Charter Senior Living of Gallatin who cared for Ruth so well in her final years as well as the caregivers of Maple Cottage Assisted Living in Portland who supported Ruth with great care in her final months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to West Hickory Baptist Church, Hickory, NC.

“I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind but now I see. And like a flood, His mercy rains,

Unending love, Amazing Grace.”