Ruth Faye (Gardner) Smith

Ruth Fay Smith, affectionally called Mama, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was born on July 10, 1942, in Gilmer, TX and died peacefully at home in Cedar Hill, TX on August 10, 2024, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loved ones.

Mama Ruth attended James Madison High School where she developed a talent for dancing and performed with the marching band. She graduated in 1960 and shortly after married the love of her life, Leo Smith Sr. Together, they raised six rambunctious boys, as she would often say while shaking her head.

Mama Ruth continued her education at the now-defunct BTS Career College for Nursing, graduating at the top of her class as the president of her cohort.

Of all her accomplishments, she most enjoyed being a wife and mother, taking very seriously her role as the family matriarch. Family and friends looked forward to her Sunday and holiday meals because she was a gifted cook and baker. She was known for her greens, dressing and lemon cake, which were the secret weapons to bringing everyone together from near and far.

During Mama Ruth’s brief illness, she took it in stride and would sometimes say, “It is what it is.” Her devoted and faithful husband stood by her side until the very end. Even in her sickness, she showed love, strength and vigor as she tried to hold on for the sake of her boys for as long as she could.

She was preceded in death by her mother Annie Jordan, father Thurman Gardener, son Jimmy, and only brother Eugene Day. She leaves behind her husband Leo Sr., sons Rufus, Timothy (Sharon), Elton (Stephanie), Rickie (Keisha) and Leo Jr., 17 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, brothers-in-law Isaac (Velma), Arthur (Evelyn), Robert (Dora), sister-in-law Clara, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Her memory will forever be engraved in our hearts. Rest in eternal peace, Mama. We will see you again in a land where we'll never grow old.

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