Dates
Ruby Lillian Smithwick of Miles, Texas returned to her heavenly Father the morning of September 12, 2016, at the age of 92.
A visitation and funeral service celebrating Ruby’s life will be held Friday, September 16, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Miles, Texas. Visitation with the family is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Pastor Diane Eggemeyer officiating. Interment will follow directly after the service in the Miles Cemetery.
Ruby was born September 16, 1923 to Minerva Pruitt Roach and Johnnie Roach of Miles, Texas. She graduated from Miles High School May 21, 1943. In 1946 Ruby married Les Smithwick. They spent over 59 years together.
In 1951, Ruby joined the Standard-Times advertising department where she handled both classified and residential real estate placements. She enjoyed her years working in advertising and continued to do so until retirement. Ruby maintained her subscription to the Standard-Times through her last days. She also was an avid reader of the Miles Messenger which became one of the highlights of her week later in life.
Ruby had some special gifts. She had a heart for serving those in need. Ruby was a caregiver to all, most especially for her younger sister, Joyce Marie, who remained bedridden for 37 years. Ruby’s smile engaged everyone in the room. Her eyes were a light to her soul and inner beauty. Ruby was a kid magnet. She loved children and taught children’s Sunday school at the First Baptist Church in Miles for many years. Later in life, she joined her husband Les in attending Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles, where she served on the alter guild and church council. Ruby’s faith was strong. Ruby always reminded us that she had God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit with her so we didn’t need to worry.
Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Minerva and Johnnie Roach; her husband, Les Smithwick; twin brother, Huby Roach; sister Joyce Marie Roach; nephew Gary Roach; and nephew Jerome Smithwick.
Ruby is survived by her nephew, Bill Roach; double cousins, Thora Morrow and Marsha Gainer and family; nieces Billie Smithwick and Lori Smithwick; nephew Kyle Smithwick and family; and a special friend, Juan Ornelas.
Pallbearers for the service will be Daniel Gainer Sr., Daniel Gainer Jr., Jamie Smart, Kolby Yonkers, Kyle Smithwick, and Juan Ornelas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 265, Miles, Texas 76861, the Miles Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 66, Miles, Texas 76861, or a charity of your choice.