Ruth Kirby Smith, 85, of Lenoir went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at her daughters home in Louisa, KY.
She was born August 12, 1934 in Caldwell County to the late Troy and Zona Kirby. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers, Ruben Kirby and James Arlus Kirby and a brother in law Harrison Soots, Jr.
Ruby graduated from Kings Creek High School in 1953. She was retired from the Baptist Children’s Home where she worked at the Care House in Lenoir. She also worked in various factories in the sewing rooms, the last on as sewing supervisor at Fairfield Chair in Whitnel.
Ruth spent every morning in devotion, reading her Bible and spending time with her Lord. She was a member of Union Baptist Church in Lenoir.
She loved her family deeply; she believed her granddaughter and great grandchildren hung the moon. When she was able she loved to read, cross stitch and dabbled in painting.
Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Charles Rodney Smith; son Trevis (Lynn) of Wilkesboro, NC; daughter Tammy Smith of Louisa, KY; granddaughter Stacey Smith Degarmo (Nash) of New Hampshire; great grandchildren Declan, Greta, and Mae Degarmo of New Hampshire; sister Irene Soots of Lenoir, NC; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family will receive family and friends at the home in Lenoir on Saturday, January 18 from Noon until 6:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent in the form of contributions to Louisa First United Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 763, Louisa, KY 41230.
Young Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Mrs. Smith and her family.
