Ruth W. Smith

Ruth Womble Smith (born Charlotte Ruth Womble), 95, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2026 at Chapel Pointe at Carlisle following a brief period of declining heath. Mrs. Smith was born in Warthen, Georgia, in 1931 to Forrest Leo Womble and Nannie Lou Womble. The youngest of four daughters, she attended Sandersville High School, where she graduated in 1948. She continued her education at Georgia State College for Women (now Georgia College & State University) in Milledgeville, graduating in 1952 with a dual degree in Speech and English. Afterward, she worked for Scripto, Inc. in Atlanta as a sales correspondent. There she met Herman John Smith from Fishkill, New York. They were married on November 5, 1955, in Atlanta.

After a short residence in Birmingham, Alabama, Ruth and Herman moved to Des Moines, Iowa, in 1956, where they welcomed the first two of four sons: David in 1956, and Jeffrey in 1958. A 1959 change in job location took them to San Diego, California, where Ruth spent some of the happiest years of her life. There they welcomed two more sons, Charles in 1962 and Philip in 1967. Purchasing a scenic home on the coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Ruth watched gray whales migrating north and south and enjoyed many spectacular sunsets. She devoted herself full time as a wife and mother ensuring that her sons never missed a school attendance, music lesson, or athletic endeavor.

In 1983, Ruth and Herman relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida, where they had a beautiful new home constructed on the bay. There they made many new life-long friends, particularly at the local Baptist church. In 1990 they moved to Milledgeville, Georgia, where Ruth had previously attended college. It was the ideal location to spend time with Ruth’s extended family in the area. In 2010, Herman passed away. As a World War II veteran, he was interred in the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Milledgeville. Following his death, Ruth enjoyed the companionship of her cocker spaniel, Gigi, who faithfully continued in the tradition of previous cockers Candy, Honey, and Suzy.

In 2023, Ruth moved to Chapel Pointe in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to be closer to her family. There she made new friends and received exceptional care during her remaining years. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends.

Ruth’s professional associations include being a life member of P.E.O. International, a Sisterhood dedicated to motivating, educating, and celebrating women, as well as MOAA (Military Officers Association of America).

Ruth is survived by her sons: David (Dee), Jeffrey (Denise), Charles, and Philip (Katherine). Grandchildren: Laura (Bill), Andrew, Nathaniel, Veronica (Jeremy), Benjirman, Melanie (Adam), Christopher (Apryl), Katherine (Brian-fiancé), Alyssa (Joshua), Samantha, and Victoria. And great-grandchildren: Rachael, Ezra, Kenan, Jack, Charlotte, Henry, Donovan, Lucy, and Ellie.

Local funeral arrangements are being handled by Hoffman Funeral & Cremation, Ltd. Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation and celebration of life from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 29, 2026 at Moores Funeral Home & Crematory, 301 S. Wayne Street, Milledgeville, Georgia. Burial will follow at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2617 Vinson Highway, Milledgeville, Georgia at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 30.