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Elba Ruth Smith
12/12/1918 — 01/02/2010
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Carthage, TX
Elba Ruth Smith
E. Ruth Smith, 91, of Richland went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, January 2, 2010.
Ruth was born to T. and Annie Lee, December 16, 1918, on a little farm in Carthage, Texas, the youngest of6 children. She was married to the love of her life, H.P.Buddy Smith, on July 9, 1938 and they were happily married fo 63 years before he went to be with The Lord in 2001 .
In the summer of 1943, she and Buddy were asked to go to Richland, Washington for a job that was to last about 18 months. They were told it was in the middle of nowhere and they would not want to stay any longer than necessary. When entering Richland in October 1943 the sign at the Yakima River bridge showed the population was 243 residents in 1940. It was desert and different than the East Texas piney woods but they came to love it and thus, Richland became her home for the next 66 years.
She often mentioned that they were just two simple hill country young people that did the best they could to raise a loving family with The Lord's direction. She loved her home and family! She was raised during the difficult years of the Great Depression and during her 11 school years her family moved so much that she attended 17 different schools. Thus, she loved the stability they found in Richland. It allowed her to enjoy a life centered around her husband, children, church family and friends.
Ruth is survived by: her two sons, Jerry and Paul; 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death and now united for eternity with her life mate, Buddy; her parents, four brothers, one sister and her grandson, B.J. Smith.
Graveside services are being held at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 9:30 am Friday, January 8, 2010, with a memorial celebration of her life at 10:30am Friday at First Baptist Church, Richland. All are welcome to attend either service.
Visitation will be at Einan's Funeral Home from 4:00pm to 8:00pm, Thursday, January 7, 2010.
Ruth you were a very special lady. A wonderful neighbor to our family over the early years in Richland. May you rest in peace.
Jan Strickland
Dave & I spent many a lunch with Ruth at the Spudnut Shop. She would usually walk between the tables and get fries from all her friends, laughing all the while. Ruth loved to talk about her husband & family. She was a very loving, giving person. Dave & I were blessed to know Ruth.
Mr and Mrs Smith were/are my spiritual mentors. When I was a kid living across the street I enjoyed going to their house, cutting the grass, playing pool and listening to stories. It was Mr Smith who invited me to church the night I was saved. I enjoyed the way they bantered back and forth, the way the house smelled when Mrs Smith was cooking and the way she would smile and greet me when she met me at the door. She was a lady of grace, faith and love. The impact they have both had on my life cannot be overstated. I love and think of them both often. I comforted in knowing that I will see them both again. I have no doubt they are together in heaven smiling down on us all right now.
Paul and Mary – Condolences and love to your family – so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She is now with Buddy and BJ. I remember seeing her at the many Richland Blood Bank drawings many years ago. She was always pleasant and friendly.
Paul, My heart goes out to you and your family for the loss of your mom. She was obviously very loved and will be missed by many.
Pauline Frank Hall
I am very sorry for your Great loss! It was an honor to know Ruth. She was a very Godly lady and truly an “angel on earth” to me. She loved her family very much! We shared many Precious memories, but my favorite would have to be her passion for musical Christmas clocks that she would enjoy the entire year. Ha! Each of you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
In Christian Love,
Georgia Parker
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Elba Ruth Smith