Ruth Clark Smith, 98, of Southern Pines, North Carolina, died October 3rd at the Hospice House in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Ruth was born on February 26th, 1916, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Elmer and Allie Clark. After graduating high school, she was offered a scholarship to LSU but because of the Depression she had to remain at home where she started a career with Sears and Roebuck.

Ruth married Virgil Ray Smith in 1936 and they lived in Whitehaven and Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, until his death in 2001. Ruth was a skilled seamstress, a devoted fisherwoman (who was known to fish in the lake behind her home even when it was raining), a great cook, a lover of bridge, and a wonderful mother. A singer, Ruth sang with other members of her family in the church choir and was a Presbyterian her whole life.

She is survived by her daughters, Carolyn Burns (husband-John) of Southern Pines, North Carolina, and Cheryl Bader of Memphis; three grandchildren, Michael Jarratt (wife-Brinda) of Murietta, California, Allison Jarratt of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Melissa J. Lemons (husband-Robin) of Lake Tillery, North Carolina; 4 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery - Midtown on November 1st at 1 p.m. in the chapel with graveside interment. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Doctors Without Borders.