Ruth Smith

Ruth Hollis Smith was one of two sets of fraternal twins born to the late Loyce and Blanche Mills Hollis in Spartanburg, SC. Ruth was born on August 2, 1928. She was called home to be with the Lord on February 27, 2022. Ruth was skilled at cooking, sewing and she had a green-thumb that would rival the best master gardeners. Ruth loved to learn but did not graduate from high school. Because she could not complete her education, she was adamant that all of her children would graduate high school. Ruth was a long-term and faithful member of the United House of Prayer. She served as an usher until her health declined. Ruth married Frank Smith and they moved to Columbus, Ohio. Ruth and Frank integrated their block of Linwood Avenue by purchasing the home that is still in the family to this day. Ruth and Frank opened their home to friends and family that migrated from South Carolina. After Ruth retired from Simmons Mattress Company she became active in community service. Ruth was a founding member of Southside United Neighbors and was instrumental in getting needed services for the Southside of Columbus and giving a voice to the community. Ruth’s voice was going to be heard as she was no shrinking violet and she said what she meant and meant what she said. Ruth leaves to cherish her memories her sister, Lois Johnson, devoted children, Joan Mauldin, Stanley Smith (Cyd) of Cheltenham, Pa, Willie Smith (Leslie), Tony Smith, Teresa Smith, and Carolyn Smith. She also leaves to mourn and cherish her memories her beloved step-daughter Linda Young of Surprise, Az. She was blessed with eleven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, in-law’s and other loving relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by: her parents, her husband Frank Smith, her son-in-law, Richard Mauldin and seven brothers, Joseph William, Archie Lee, Loyce, Welton, Lorenzo, Reid (twin) and Laurence and one sister, Mildred Hollis Hopper.