Ruby I (Eads) Smith

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

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 on May 10, 1963, and they had three children.  Jack and Ruby shared sixty 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 thirty-seven years.  She was also a member of the Williamsville First Baptist Church, and always called Wayne County home.

She loved to travel, listen to Elvis, and play Yahtzee, but she loved her family most of all and they loved her deeply in return.  

Ruby is survived by her devoted husband of sixty years, three children: Clifford and wife, Angela Smith of Greenville, Rhonda Smith of Williamsville, and Brian and wife, Misty Smith of Williamsville, 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.  

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in by her brother Charlie Eads, and sister, Gracie Bratton.

Visitation was held at 5:00 pm, Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Williamsville Chapel. Funeral service followed at 2:00 pm, Friday, October 6, 2023, also in the Williamsville Chapel. Dr. Joshua Smith ministered to the family. Richie Eads, Dennis Deason, Dan Deason, Bobby Smith, Jamie Smith, and Eric Wood served as pallbearers. Randy Swinger and Curt Condray served as honorary pallbearers. Burial was in Duncan Cemetery, Williamsville. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com  

The family thanks the community for all the support and condolences during this difficult time. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com 

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