Ruth Green Smith, 93, of Blythewood, formerly Wilmington NC died on September 29, 2021. Born in Bellwood, PA, she was a daughter of the late Mildred and Paul Green.

She was a loving "Mama" to her daughters and a beloved "Gaga" to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. She was a good companion and friend to many, but especially to members of her card-playing groups and her church.
Her faith was formed as a child by loving and devout parents in the Lutheran Church. Her faith continued to grow, and she modelled Christian living throughout her life.
Ruth lived a life full of positive energy and optimism. She always had an encouraging word and was a wonderful listener. She gave freely of herself and required nothing in return – no conditions or demands – but she did love a thank you note!

Her giving and nurturing personality led her to a career in nursing. She graduated from Hahnemann University Hospital School of Nursing in Philadelphia, PA, in 1949. She brought a deep dedication to others, an abundant sense of responsibility, and mind, and a famous devotion to cleanliness to her career choice. She held positions in women's health care, private physician's offices, private duty nursing care and hospitals. Her varied nursing career in Wilmington included practice at Bullock's, James Walker, Babies and Cape Fear Memorial Hospitals. She retired as Director of Surgical Services from Cape Fear Memorial Hospital after 29 years of hard, rewarding work.

Ruth will be remembered for her loving of her home in Bellwood, Pennsylvania. Though she spent 65+ years living in the South; her heart remained in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania.

The gifts she has bestowed on us – her legacy – are resilience, gentleness, integrity, persistence, faith, patience, and kindness. She had a sense of adventure that did not wane with age.
Ruth was a lover of the arts and volunteering her time with the Wilmington Symphony and the Thursday morning music club. She also sang with the Valley Voice well into her 80's.

We will miss Ruth everyday but will always treasure and emulate these wonderful gifts for the remainder of our lives.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. Smith, a daughter, Mildred Ruth. Survivors include her two daughters, Brenda Gross (Nick) and Betty Jo Bennett (Bill); grandchildren, Ryan Gross, Kyle Gross (Sarah), Chad McCorkle (Maria) and Allison McCorkle; Great Grand child, Hannah Jane McCorkle. Her Step Grandchildren Charlie Bennett (Amy), Zack Bennett (Jenna), Stephanie Bennett. Step Grandchildren: Caleb, Joshua, and Tristan Rose, Christopher and Brandon Bennett, Landon, Hunter, Carly and Issac Bennett.

A memorial Service will be held at a later date in Wilmington, NC. Her ashes will be scattered in the Allegheny Mountains.The family thanks the Prisma Health Hospice team for their caring and compassionate care. Memorials may be made to St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church, 612 South College Road Wilmington, NC 28403. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.