Ruby Smith

Ruby H. Smith met her precious Lord Jesus and Savior face to face on Tuesday night, January 6, 2015, at the age of 79. She was God's obedient servant and a dedicated prayer warrior for us all. Every day, she prayed "that at the end of the day God would be able to say: 'Well done, well done, my good and faithful servant.'" She handled death with strength, grace, and dignity. Ruby is the much loved and cherished mother of her only child, Leslie S. Fretwell and the "second Mama" to her son-in-law, Charles Fretwell, whom she loved as the son she never had. Ruby and Leslie share(d) a very special mother-daughter bond that cannot be adequately described in words. They are "one big heart." Ruby is the daughter of the late Mina C. and W. D. Hill and the widow of Roy W. Smith. She and Roy were married for 34 years. She never stopped grieving the loss of her husband. Ruby is also predeceased by her very special, loved and admired baby sister, Virginia "Ginny" Elder. Ruby always said that Virginia "set the bar" on how to face life and death with courage, dignity and grace. She wanted to follow her sister's example and she did. In addition to her daughter and son-in-law, Ruby is survived by her granddog daughter, Daisy. She loved her visits with Daisy, especially when Daisy spent the night with Grandma. Ruby is also survived by her sister, Irene, and her husband Wayne Bishop; brother-in-law, Roy Elder (Barbara); and several nieces and nephews. A private funeral service is being held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spartanburg Regional Home Hospice, 120 Heywood Avenue Suite 300, Spartanburg, SC 29302; or Mobile Meals Service, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304. Leslie especially wants to thank the following: hospice nurses, Jennifer and Rachel, and personal care technician, Rosa, for their excellent care of Mom; Christy, for completing one of Mom's final wishes of being buried with a pink baby blanket; and most of all her husband, Charles, for being so patient, compassionate, understanding, loving, and for being her solid rock during Mom's decline and death. Charles' love for her daughter made it easier for Ruby to pass on and gave her much comfort. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ruby H. Smith please visit our Sympathy Store.