Ruby Smith

Ruby Irene (Eads) Smith, 79, daughter of Paul and Aileen (Bilbrey) Eads - and the sweetest woman in the world, according to her husband and kids - was born April 6, 1944, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and went home to be with the Lord while surrounded by family Oct. 1, 2023.

Ruby lived a simple, but beautiful life, best described by the care she provided to her family, her willingness to help any good cause, and her kindness to everyone she met. She attended Williamsville Elementary and High Schools and later obtained her GED. Ruby was united in marriage to Jack C. Smith of Williamsville May 10, 1963, and they had three children. Jack and Ruby shared 60 years of wedded bliss, exemplifying true love and commitment.

Ruby spent her whole life in service to her family and community, but also worked at the garment factory in Tipton, Missouri, Brown Shoe Co. in Poplar Bluff, and the hat factory in Piedmont. She retired from the Korner Kwik Stop in 1997 to fight the first of four battles with cancer.

Ruby had the distinction of being the first woman member of the Williamsville Lions Club and was a loyal participant, helping with the annual Labor Day picnic for 37 years. She was also a member of the Williamsville First Baptist Church, and always called Wayne County home.

Ruby Smith loved to travel, listen to Elvis, and play Yahtzee, but she loved her family most of all and they loved her deeply in return. She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Jack Smith of Williamsville; three children: Clifford and wife, Angela Smith, Rhonda Smith and Brian and wife, Misty Smith, all of Williamsville, and three grandchildren: Joshua and wife, Alyssa, Smith of Cape Girardeau, Hannah Smith of St. Charles, and McKenna Smith of Williamsville. She is also survived by her brother, Fred Eads of St. Peters, sister, Ruth Ann Huett of VenWert, Iowa, and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Aileen (Bilbrey) Eads and Paul E. Eads, brother Charlie Eads, and sister, Gracie Bratton.

Visitation will be held at Ruegg Funeral Home in Williamsville Thursday, Oct. 5, beginning at 4 p.m. for family and then 5-8 pm. The funeral will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. Burial will be at Duncan Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Williamsville First Baptist Church or the Williamsville Lions Club. The family thanks the community for all the support and condolences during this difficult time.