Ms. Ruthie Mae Smith

February 28, 1937 - April 17, 2017

Ruthie Mae Smith was born Ruthie Mae Gilreath on February 28, 1937 in Center Ridge, Arkansas, to the late Fred Gilreath and Rena Oates Gilreath. Ruth grew up in a Christian home where she attended public schools until the age of 14. At that time, Ruth and her mother relocated to California, where she continued her education and graduated high school. Ruthie attended a local community college were she received a certificate as a nursing assistant, as well as, completed classes to become a foster parent for the state of California. Caring for children and the elderly was her true passion. Ruthie met and married her first husband, Lawrence Reed, to this union two children were born, Judith and Ricardo Reed. Ruthie later relocated to Denver, CO, where she continued to work in the nursing field and foster care. She met and married the late Reverend John A. Smith. Their union produced one daughter, Evette Reed Smith. Their union blended both of their families, bringing the total to eight children. Ruthie belonged to the C.M.E. connection and served as First Lady to many churches, as well as, various other capacities. She served on the Missionary Board, Stewardess Board and Usher Board. Ruthie leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Judy Reed, Ricardo Reed, Evette Higgs, John W. Smith, Arthur Smith and Donovan Gray; step-daughter, Christina Griffin; a very special friend and daughter of 17 years, Edward James Anderson and Jamie Anderson; her grandchildren, Tina Reed, Tosha Reed, Ayesha Smith, Oshanette Neal, Demetria Neal, Llyod Neal, Cyrus Neal, Chiffon Neal, Sir Alexander Neal, Roshawn Smith, Nicole Gray, Donovan Gray, Jr., Joshua Gray, Winter Smith, Dawn Smith, Arthur Smith, Jr., Isaiah Smith, John W. Smith, Jr., Erin Reed, Brennon Jones, Zachariah Smith, Jumayia (Kadedra) James, Dezeare Higgs, Destinee Higgs, Christofer McCurry; great grandchildren, Toswanette Neal, Titus Neal, Deondre Neal, Devonta Neal, Ray Neal, Michael Reed, Davie’on Reed, Deaja Reed, Natassia Reed Bunton, Navonta Greeley, Essence Gray, Khylinn Williams, Kingston James, Kameron James, MaAleayah Ma’lyk, Virshawn, Kyrie, Gaby and several others; Godchildren, Diane Clifton, Angela Cole, Robert Clifton, Glen Williams and Tieasha Clifton, and a host of other relatives and friends. She also leaves to cherish her memory, the Beech Grove C.M.E. Church, the Kingdom Builders Church and Steve who was a great friend from Medical Center Home Health and Penny Morris Those waiting to greet her in heaven are her parents; her husband, John A. Smith; step-father, John Stalks; mother-in law, Ora Smith and her two sons, Carl Smith and Kim Smith.