Ruby Faye Smith

March 31, 1940 – January 10, 2025

Ruby Faye Smith, a beacon of love and nurturing, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, in Holland, Michigan. Born on March 31, 1940, in Bend, Arkansas, to the late William and Gladys Bounds, Ruby's life was a testament to the power of care and affection.

Ruby's early years laid the foundation for a life filled with joy, family, and the simple pleasures of home. It was there she learned the values of hard work and the importance of community, which she carried with her throughout her life. Ruby's heart found its match when she married Richard Smith, and together they built a life rich in love and laughter. Although Richard predeceased her, the legacy of their union continued to flourish through their children and grandchildren.

Ruby was the loving mother of Glenda Smith, who preceded her in death, and the cherished matriarch to her living children: Barbara (Joseph) Borst, Lois (William) Beckman, Donna (Glenn) Smith, and Debra Sprouse. Her love extended to her grandchildren, Patrick Borst, Christopher Smith, Joseph (Caitlyn) Theodore Borst, Richard Michael Borst, Lindsey Holman (Nate), Phillip Smith, Jonathan Sprouse, and Jennifer (Luis) Tello, as well as her ten great-grandchildren, who will miss her dearly.

She was a beloved sister to CR and Norma Jean, who had previously passed.

Ruby's passion for life was evident in her hobbies. She was an avid gardener, tending to her vast garden with a green thumb that brought forth an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and beautiful flowers. Her skill in canning preserved the bounty of her harvests, allowing her to share the fruits of her labor with friends and family. A wonderful cook, Ruby's feasts were legendary, drawing people together in celebration of both food and fellowship.

Her home was a haven not only for her beloved children and grandchildren but also for her cherished cats and dogs. Ruby's capacity for love knew no bounds, and her pets were a source of joy and companionship throughout her life.

Ruby's kindness and warmth extended beyond her family. Although she was a private person, she was embraced by many. She was known for her loving nature and her ability to make everyone feel at home. Ruby's presence was a joy to all, and her absence will be deeply felt by those who knew her.

The words that best describe Ruby are loving, nurturing, and generous. She was a very loving mother, a friend to many, and a woman whose heart was always open. Ruby's legacy is one of love, a legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of those she touched.

Ruby Faye Smith's life was a tapestry woven with the threads of love, care, and devotion. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we take comfort in knowing that she will be reunited with her husband of 70 years and those she loved who have gone before. Her memory will be cherished, her lessons remembered, and her love felt always.