Ruth Schiesser Smith's Obituary
Ruth Schiesser Smith passed away October 10, 2011 at Presbyterian Hospital Harris Hospice, Charlotte, NC just 5 days prior to her 95th birthday. Ruth was born October 15, 1916 in Jamaica, New York. She became a registered nurse and went on to get her teaching degree from NYU.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents, John and Theresa Shanley Schiesser, brother Daniel Schiesser, sister Alva Skripak and by her husband, Howard W. Smith to whom she was married for 57 years.
After marriage in 1945, Ruth and Howard moved to Delray Beach, Florida and in retirement enjoyed 6 months of the year in their cabin in Cullowhee, NC.
Ruth assisted in starting the Community Welfare Council in Delray Beach, was a founding member of the Citizenship Group of the Delray Beach Women’s Club, and volunteered for the needy using her nursing skills. She also volunteered at First Presbyterian Church in Delray Beach where she was a member for over 50 years. She was a PTA volunteer and was a Cub Scout Den Mother.
Ruth is survived by three children, John Howard Smith (Janie) of Vienna, VA, Thomas Alva Smith (Tina) of Gulf Stream, FL and June Smith Horne (John) of Huntersville, NC. Ruth was the Grandmother of Todd Smith (Nancy) of Atlanta, GA Trenton Smith (Holly) of Washington, DC, Joshua Smith (Kari) of Burke, VA, Jeremy Smith (Sarah) of Woodbridge, VA, Tucker Horne of Huntersville, NC, and Jared Smith of Vienna, VA.
Also surviving are six great-grandchildren, Merritt Smith, Eve Bettina Smith, Tommy Smith, Caleb Smith, Gideon Smith, and Hannah Smith.
Ruth was an associate member of Huntersville Presbyterian Church, Huntersville, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Huntersville Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 313, Huntersville, NC 28070, Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care, P.O. Box 33549, Charlotte, NC 28233, or First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach, 33 Gleason Street, Delray Beach, FL 33483.
Many thanks to the Hospice Team at Presbyterian Hospice and Palliative Care in Charlotte, NC.
A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at Huntersville Presbyterian Church on what would have been Ruth’s 95th birthday, October 15th at 10 am, with a reception afterwards at the Vixen Club House (10340 Vixen Lane, Huntersville, NC 28078).
A private burial service will be held in the Memorial Garden in Delray Beach, Florida at First Presbyterian Church at a later date
Samuel S. James, Funeral Service Lic. Of Huntersville is serving the family. www.samuelsjamesfsl.com
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