Minnie Ruth (Crawford) Smith

Minnie Ruth Crawford Smith, age 93, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Woltz Hospice Home, Dobson.

Ruth was born on February 7, 1923 in Overton County, Tennessee to William Dillard Crawford and Rebecca Chilton Crawford. She was the youngest of four children.

Her early life was spent in Monroe, Tennessee on Nettle Carriers Creek.  She graduated from Alpine High School and continued her education at Berea College School of Nursing, Berea Kentucky.  Graduating in 1945 as a Registered Nurse Anesthetist.  She was inducted into the United States Navy on September 4, 1947 and retired as a Lieutenant Commander on April 1, 1970.

Ruth Crawford married Henry Woodland Smith, Jr. April 28, 1967 in Havelock, NC.  They were married 17 years.  Henry preceded her in death November 10, 1984.  Ruth and Henry moved to Pinnacle, NC in 1977. They joined the First United Methodist Church in Pilot Mountain on April 23, 1978.  They were active members and both sang in the choir. 

Ruth was a volunteer for Hospice of Surry County and nurse of the youth camp in the summer.  She had many hobbies such as sewing, quilting, cross stitch, embroidering, needle point, reading and baking.  She also collected stamps, coins, sea shells and unusual rocks. 

Mrs. Smith will be remembered for her infectious laughter, friendship, quick whit and the love for her family.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews: Diane (Rich) Schiller of Royal Oaks, Michigan, David (Sue) Crawford of Fowlesville, Michigan, children of Clyde (Mary) Crawford; Rita Jean Straith of  Ann Arbor, Michigan, Keith Crawford of Howell, Michigan, children of Johnnie (Jewel) Crawford; William (Sharon) Daws of Stockbridge, Georgia, Thomas (Darla) Daws of Palmetto, Georgia, Martha Ruth (Michael) Travity of Acworth, Georgia, children of Noelle (Edgar) Daws, fifteen grand-nieces and nephews,  twenty eight great nieces and nephews,  numerous cousins and a special friend, Helen Nelson, for her continuous care and dedication.

A funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Cox-Needham Funeral Home at 2:00 P.M. with Chaplain Ricky Spencer officiating.

The family will receive friends prior to the service form 1:00 to 2:00.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Vicky Bowman and the staff of Twelve Oaks and a deep appreciation to the staff of Woltz Hospice Home of Dobson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Woltz Hospice Home, 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson, NC  27017.

Cox-Needham Funeral Home of Pilot Mountain (http://www.coxneedham.com, www.facebook.com/coxneedham) is respectfully serving the Smith family.