Ruby Esther Smith, age 68, of Dixon, was born September 16, 1953, at Dixon, a daughter of Emmet Wilson and Donna Genevieve (Ames) Elkins, and passed from this life Saturday, November 20, 2021, at her home.

She was united in marriage December 6, 1969, at Dixon, to Edward Alan "Eddie" Smith, and to this union, three sons were born.

Ruby had accepted Christ at an early age and was attending Hephzibah Holiness Church, Dixon, at the time of her passing.  Through the years, she was a Sunday school teacher, provided church and other transportation for children and adults, was a youth camp sponsor and worker, and always a willing heart to take on any job needing to be done at church and helping others as well.

During her working life, Ruby was employed at Brown Shoe Company until the closing of the Dixon facility.  Following the shoe factory, she became one of the best known individuals in the area for her expertise in housekeeping and cleaning for others.  Ruby was not one to give up and continued in her work as long as possible until failing health prevented her from doing her job.  She especially enjoyed going to any farmers market, making homemade jellies and jams, home canning, and being a part of any activity involving her grandkids. Ruby absolutely loved those kids and all her family and friends.

Those left to celebrate the life of Ruby include:  Her devoted husband of almost fifty-two years, Eddie, of their home near Dixon; three sons, Tony Alan Smith (Brenda) of Ochelta, Oklahoma, Derek Lee Smith of Dixon, and Jason Edward Smith (Amber) of Nixa; nine grandchildren, Brooke, Brett (Mallory), Lindsey, Drew, Gabe, Josiah, Taylar, Xzavier, and Everley; two great-granddaughters, Brynnley and Addison; nephews; nieces; other relatives; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Emmet, on December 4, 1998; her mother, Donna, on February 20, 2004; her sister, Melba Sue Leymaster, on October 18, 2014; and her brother, Chester Lee Wooters, on April 9, 2015.

Visitation for Mrs. Ruby Smith will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 24, 2021, in Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, 105 East Third Street, Dixon, MO 65459        with her funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel with Bro. Archie Atwell, Hephzibah Holiness Church, Dixon, officiating.  Archie Atwell, Jr., Austin Atwell, and Anthony Atwell sang "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow", "Because He Lives", and "Beulah Land" for the service.

Interment for Mrs. Ruby Smith will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 29, 2021, in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery-Springfield under the direction of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Dixon.  Pallbearers for Mrs. Smith will be Tony Smith, Jason Smith, Randy Robertson, Drew Goins, Josiah Goins, and Brett Smith, and serving as her honorary pallbearers Derek Smith and Gabe Goins.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. Ruby Smith are suggested by her family to the Hephzibah Holiness Church with envelopes available at the funeral home or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box EE, Dixon, MO 65459.