Ruby Ellen Smith

Ruby Ellen Smith, age 98, died Sunday morning, April 8, 2018 after years of battling dementia.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Thomas J. Smith in 2002; her parents, Jimma Jane and Thomas Lester Scott; all her siblings; and most of her in-laws. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Smith Wood (Don) of Albuquerque; son, David Marshall Smith (Fran) of Beltsville, MD; and granddaughter, Paula High-Young (Danny) of Albuquerque. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Greg Asikis; brother-in-law, Michael Smith (Ginger); and many nieces and nephews all in Texas. In addition, she is survived by her step-grandchildren, Joe Wood (Tammy) of Oklahoma City, Marilee Wood Hill (Jim) of Chandler, AZ, Russell Wood (Chrissie) Gilbert of Arizona, and Carrie Ann Wood Cook (William) of Scottsdale, AZ.

Ruby left her childhood home in central Texas in 1934 and moved to Fort Worth. There she met and married the love of her life, Jimmy (also known as “Tom”). During the late thirties, they both worked at Jimmy’s father’s restaurant, The Paris Coffee Shop, which is still in business there today. Ruby and Jimmy were residents of Fort Worth, Texas until 1950 when Jimmy became an FBI agent. Their first office was San Diego, CA, from December 1950 until June 1951. Next they were sent to Albuquerque, NM, where they stayed until 1960. Then it was on to the Army Language School in Monterrey, CA (1960-61); New York City (1961-1964). In November 1964 they were transferred to FBI Headquarters in Washington, DC. They lived in Lanham and then Bowie, MD from 1964-1975. After 24 years at the Bureau, Tom retired from the FBI as Deputy Assistant Director for Domestic Intelligence in 1974. They decided in 1975 to return to New Mexico, and spent the rest of their lives in Albuquerque. Ruby belonged to Daughters of the Nile for many years. She was involved in several doll clubs in the area and conducted numerous doll making classes. She attended doll shows all around the Southwest and her antique reproduction dolls were highly sought after and cherished. She’ll be missed and remembered by scores of old and new friends, and the many admirers of her doll making abilities. She loved her family, her friends, and her dolls.

The family wishes to thank the amazing caregivers at Carefree Living where Ruby spent her last five years. Before that, we thank Carvella Lucio and Rose Silentman from Retreat at Home. We appreciate their loving care, enabling her to remain in her beloved house for many years. Thanks also to the staff at Hospice de La Luz.

Friends may visit Thursday, April 19, 2018 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Lomas. A Funeral Service will be Friday, April 20, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE in the Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum Chapel. Entombment will follow.