Ruby Smith

Ruby Smith of Independence, Missouri, passed away April 22, 2009 at the age of 99 years, 10 months and 4 days.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Raymond Smith; a granddaughter: Pamela Thomas; a great-great-grandson: Austin Smith; and by two sons-in-law: Melvin Smith and Ellis Cravens.
Ruby is survived by one son: Russell Smith and his wife, Jeanette, of Blue Springs, Missouri; three daughters: Carmen Smith of Blue Springs, Missouri, Mahalla Cravens of Hartville, Missouri, and Janice Moore and her husband, Jerry, of Independence, Missouri; eight grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Lola Burney and her husband, Troy, of Mountain Grove, Missouri.
Ruby was born to William and Alice (Owens) Sanders in Mountain Grove, Missouri on June 18, 1909. On March 28, 1926, she married Raymond Smith and together they raised their four children.
Following the Great Depression, Raymond and Ruby decided to go to California, “The Land of Opportunity,” where Raymond worked for several different commercial dairies. However, in 1941 following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, for the safety of their family, they found their way back to the Midwest. They bought a small farm near Mountain Grove, Missouri. Along with other things, Raymond worked for Kraft Foods, hauling milk from area farms into town.
Life was not without struggles, but their faith in God carried them through the difficult times. As members of the Mountain Valley FWB Church they served the Lord wherever they were needed. Their home was always open and their lives enriched by evangelists, missionaries and musicians who needed a place to stay during a revival or other church functions.
Ruby was well known as an excellent cook, seamstress and homemaker. She was especially known for her chicken and dumplings, pies, hot rolls and bread. Home-made ice cream was made year round by breaking the ice off the bluffs on the farm, then sitting over the floor furnace to keep warm while eating it.
Whenever a young couple married in the community, Ruby usually made the wedding cake and many times she made the bride’s wedding gown. Whatever task was at hand, she always did her very best, never satisfied to leave a job incomplete or sub-standard. She unselfishly worked from early morning ‘til late at night, gardening, canning, sewing, cooking and keeping a spotless home for her family. Ruby’s selfless and giving personality was evident in every part of her life. She always put other’s desires and needs before her own. Her “favorite” piece of chicken was either the back or the neck, therefore providing the choice pieces for the other family members.
After the children had all left home, Raymond and Ruby moved to Independence, Missouri where they both worked for the Raytown School System, Raymond as a warehouseman and Ruby in the cafeteria at Pittman Junior High School. They joined Beacon Free Will Baptist Church where they continued serving the Lord, Raymond as a deacon and Ruby worked faithfully in the church nursery where she was “Grandma Ruby” to all the children of the church.
On May 27, 1982, while traveling to Mountain Grove to visit relatives, they were involved in a tragic accident. Raymond passed away within an hour following the accident and Ruby was transported to Springfield for treatment of severe injuries. Nearly three months later she was dismissed from the hospital and after only a few days staying with Carmen and Melvin, she wanted to return to her little house on Sheley Road where she continued to live alone and drive her car until she was 90 years old. Due to failing eyesight, she moved to Blue Springs where she had her own apartment in Carmen and Melvin’s basement. When Melvin’s health required additional care, she then lived with the other children for several additional years.
In January of 2006 Ruby moved to Monterey Park Nursing Center where she has been lovingly cared for by the nursing staff and Grace Hospice until the time of her death. During the week prior to her passing, she continued to show her love and concern for others by assuring them of her love, to tell them of her desire to “go home” to be with family members who have gone on before, and to live eternally with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We can’t imagine a life better lived, Incredibly gracious with so much to give. So we send you to God whom you’ve served with such love, Where you can watch over us, as an angel above. Amber Moore


Funeral Services:
Friday, April 24th, 2:00 PM in the Beacon Freewill Baptist Church in Raytown, Missouri, under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home.
Visitation:
Friday, April 24th, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM before the service in the church.
Burial:
Saturday, April 25th, 2:00 PM in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Mtn. Grove.
Donations:
Beacon Freewill Baptist Church c/o the funeral home.