Ruby Patrick

Smith

TIFTON—  Ruby Patrick Smith, 93, of Tifton passed away Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008 at Cypress Pond Assisted Living surrounded by her family, her good friend, Lucy Copeland and the wonderful staff of Cypress Pond, who so lovingly and attentively cared for her during her last days. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Omega Methodist Church, where she was a lifelong member and the Sunday School Class she taught for 25 years was named the “Ruth Smith Sunday School Class.” The Rev. Mike Hobbs and Van Smith will officiate with the burial to follow in Omega Cemetery. Grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 tonight at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.

Mrs. Smith was born on Nov. 5, 1914 in Tift County to the late Earnest Patrick and Eddith Merrimac Collier Patrick, formerly of Omega. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Harry Van Smith; six sisters, Maude Westbrook, Earnestine Hornbuckle, Cleo Baker, Vivian Garrett, Bill Sells and Vines Pendley and one son-in-law, Cecil Hall.

She worked as an elementary school teacher in Omega for 23 years, beginning her career at the age of 40 after having been left a widow with two small children. Mrs. Smith retired from her teaching in 1987 and served as president of the local chapter of retired teachers. In addition, she has served as president of the 20th Century Library Club and was a member of the Tifton Women’s Club, Delta Kappa Gamma honorary teacher’s  organization and Club 55.

She is a past president of the Tift Regional Medical Center’s Auxiliary and served as the group’s program chairman, awards chairman, orientation chairman and parliamentarian, as well as southwestern director of the Georgia State Auxiliary. She was a member of the council for the arts and entertainment series, the National Education Association, the Georgia Association of Educators and the International Reading Association, She was also named Outstanding Teacher of America in 1974 for her contributions to educational advancement.

In 1994, she was chosen as the 41st Exchange Club’s Golden Deeds Award winner for her quiet, good deeds as a woman who regularly donated her time to care for disadvantaged children and voluntarily instructing disabled persons. Ruth Smith loved people and was a friend to everyone she met. Lovingly named “Nana,” she will truly be missed by her family and friends.

Mrs. Smith is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Van and Jackie Smith of Cartersville; one daughter, Patty Hall of Tifton; one sister, Edith Keith of Tifton; six grandchildren and their spouses, Gina and Mike Hobbs, Ricky and Dell Smith, Rusty and Tammie Smith, all of Tifton, Greg and Cindy Hall, Jill and Brad Ellis and Kim and Tom Wagner , all of Atlanta; 15 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

You may sign the online registry at www.bowen-donaldson.com. Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals is in charge of arrangements.

Myrtle Heath

Mullis

FORT MEADE, Fla.— Myrtle Heath Mullis, 81, of Fort Meade, formerly of Tifton, died Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008 in Fort Meade. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Hickory Springs Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Randy Baldwin officiating.

Pallbearers include David Heath, Gary Yearry, Eddie Yearry, Nathan Baldwin, Richie Davis and A. J. Davis.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from noon until the hour of the services at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.