Ruth E. Smith, 89 of Derry, NH died October 11, 2013 at the Parkland Medical Center, Derry, NH. Mrs. Smith was born the youngest of 15 children in Medford, MA on April 25, 1924. The daughter of Clarence B. and Mabel A. (Bailey) Wright, she was a longtime resident of Londonderry before moving to Pinardville, and more recently, Derry, NH. Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Lester B. Smith. Both had been longtime active members of the Londonderry United Methodist Church.
During WWII, Ruth worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” at the Charlestown Naval Shipyard. For several years, she also worked for Velcro USA in Manchester, NH. Ruth volunteered much of her time with the Salvation Army and the Church Thrift Shop in Londonderry, NH. The phrase “it takes a village” embodied Ruth’s philosophy towards life. She loved everyone, always, with a positive and giving nature. Ruth lived her life through the Lord.
She is survived by one son, David Smith of Strafford, NH, three daughters, Sylvia Rodriguez of Buckeye, AZ, Christine Smith-Marcucci of Amherst, NH, and Alice Baker of Peterborough, NH, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.
Following cremation, calling hours were held on Tuesday October 15th from 6 – 8pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. Memorial services were held on Wednesday at 10:00am in the Londonderry United Methodist Church, 258 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. Burial followed in Pleasant View Cemetery, Londonderry. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Salvation Army.