Ruth Elaine Smith

Ruth Elaine Fletcher Smith October 13, 1939 - April 15, 2025, On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Ruth Elaine Fletcher Smith-our beloved wife, mother, sister, Nana, and friend-took her final breath on earth and stepped into the presence of Jesus.

Our hearts are broken, yet full of peace, knowing she is home. Fully healed. Fully whole.

Face to face with the Savior she spent her whole life loving.

Ruth was born on October 13, 1939, in Moultrie, Georgia, to Minerva and Marion Fletcher.

As the oldest of four sisters, she led with strength, and grace. She is survived by her sisters Gladys Summerlin, Hilda Carlson, and Sybil Viens. She is reunited in heaven with her parents and one precious great-grandchild.

She married the love of her life, Eugene (Jeff) F. Smith Sr., on St. Simon's Island. They were married for nearly 67 years, walking through life side by side with deep faith, and devotion to each other, and the Lord. Together they raised four children in Savannah, Ga: Eugene (Bubba) F. Smith, Michael Smith, Joseph (Kyle) Smith, and Karen Morgenroth. They later for retirement followed her dream of moving back to her county roots, and made their residence where everything is better: Metter, Ga

Ruth's mothering heart reached beyond her own children. She became a mother to many who were never born to her but were loved by her all the same. She welcomed others into her home, into her heart, and into her family. She was a safe place for so many.

To her 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, she was simply Nana. And she adored them. She lit up when they were around, and she made each of them feel like the most important person in the world. Her home was a haven, full of laughter, singing, and the weight of prayers. As she grew older, her love only widened. She became Nana to even more-neighbors, friends, church members-anyone who needed kindness and the love of Jesus. She never held back love. She gave it freely and fiercely.

Ruth worked faithfully as an accountant and bookkeeper, but her real life's work was ministry. Her whole life was an offering. She had a prison ministry. A card ministry. A kitchen-table ministry. She was always telling someone about Jesus, whether it was in a sanctuary or in the cereal aisle. She didn't just talk about Christ. She lived Him.

She loved to bake. She loved to read. She loved sitting around the table with her family, talking for hours. And she loved worship. Even in her final days, when her body was weak and her voice had grown quiet, her spirit still reached for Heaven. Though she couldn't speak, she would lift her hands toward Jesus. It was all she had left to give, and she gave it fully. Watching her worship in silence, even though pain, was one of the holiest things we've ever seen.

Ruth lived quietly but powerfully. She didn't seek attention. She just loved people well. Her life was soaked in Scripture and prayer. Her legacy is one of faith, compassion, strength, and unwavering trust in Jesus. She was a prayer warrior. A counselor. A peacemaker. A gentle leader. A bold believer.

We miss her terribly. But we know she's where she longed to be. With Jesus. Whole and free. We carry her memory in everything we do, and we move forward the way she showed us-holding tight to Jesus, loving deeply, and never forgetting that Heaven is real and worth it all.

Until we see her again.

"If we live, it's to honor the Lord. And if we die, it's to honor the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose-to be Lord both of the living and of the dead."  Romans 14: 8-9

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