Ruth M. Smith

Ruth Mackenstedt Smith died on January 4, 2013. She was born in Newport, KY on February 27, 1923, the daughter of Juanita and Will Mackenstedt and grew up in Ft. Thomas, KY. She is survived by her daughters Kathy Barton and husband Jeff of Roanoke , VA and Susan Culpepper and husband Robert of Columbus, GA, four grandsons, Tyler Shelton, Wesley Culpepper, Patrick Culpepper, Will Shelton, his wife Kim and their son Sam, and one granddaughter Kristen Pulliam and husband Devin. She is also survived by her nieces Sue Schwab and husband John, Sheryl Stull, Sue Oplinger, Kelly Neuroth and husband Bo, her sister in law Gail Smith, and her brother in law Bob Smith and wife Noelle. She is predeceased by the great love of her life – her husband William R. Smith, her baby boy William, her parents, her sister and brother in law Juanita and Lou Westover, as well as her brother in law Tom Smith and her sister in law and brother in law Mary Curry and Dick Stull. Ruth married her sweetheart Bill when he graduated from the Naval Academy in 1945 and moved with him around the country wherever he was stationed in the Navy, before settling in Lynchburg, VA where they lived for many years and raised their girls. They made many close friends in Lynchburg and also never lost contact with their high school friends who all meant so much to them.

Ruth was a dedicated member of Peakland Baptist Church almost since its inception where she served on the Diaconate and in many other ways. She was especially close to her friends in The Owls where she lovingly earned the title \"Master Crafter\". She and Bill moved to Roanoke, VA in 2003 due to health issues and made many more friends at Elm Park Estates, and she continued to meet and make friends at The Park Oak Grove, both of which were like home away from home to her.

A memorial service will be held at Peakland Baptist Church, Lynchburg, VA at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 with the Rev. Nathan Brooks officiating. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Peakland Baptist Church, 4018 Peakland Place, Lynchburg, VA 24503 or Gentle Shepherd Hospice Charities, 6045 Peters Creek Road NW, Roanoke, VA 24019. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of The Park Oak Grove and Gentle Shepherd Hospice as well as the private duty sitters for their exceptional care, love, and respect as they ministered to this sweetest of ladies.