Ruth Elizabeth Smith

Ruth Elizabeth (Gilbert) Smith, 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 3, 2018. She was born in Syracuse, NY on May 20, 1929 to the late Foster Bosworth Gilbert & Mildred Caroline (Barker) Gilbert. She graduated from Central High School in Syracuse and joined the US Army where she proudly served her country. On December 11, 1951, she married the love of her life, the late Albert Edgar Smith. Ruth and Albert moved to Florida in 1957 when Albert took a job in the space industry. They settled in and Florida became their permanent home. Together with Albert, Ruth raised 3 children and was involved with them in their activities. She also instilled a love of reading in her children. Ruth was a charter member of the First United Methodist Church, Cocoa Beach where she served as the church’s librarian for many years. She was also involved in their sandwich ministry where she bagged fresh vegetables for the lunches to be distributed to those in need. When Ruth was about 45, she returned to school attending Brevard Junior College (now Eastern Florida State College) where she earned her Associate of Arts Degree. That was a very proud accomplishment of a goal in her life. Ruth is survived by three children, Martha (Bill) Potteiger, Laura Smith, and David (Kristi) Smith. She is also survived by five granddaughters, one step-granddaughter, one step-grandson, ten great grandchildren, two sisters and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service honoring Ruth will be held at the Beckman Williamson Funeral Home, 5400 Village Drive in Rockledge on Thursday, April 12 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Central Florida Alzheimer’s Association, 2180 W. State Road 434, Suite 1100, Longwood, FL 32779