Ruth Bates Smithson

Ruth Smithson, age 90 of Moundville, passed away October 8, 2023 at home. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 3:00 pm with Bro. Charles Spence officiating and Magnolia Chapel South directing. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at Magnolia Chapel South from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years; Edward O'Neal Smithson, son; Charles Edward  (Tedro) Smithson, parents; Charlie and Rosa Bates, five sisters and seven brothers.

Survivors include her daughter; Janie O'Neal Smithson, brother; Robert Bates (Kathleen), grandchildren; Charlene Smithson Wiggins, Jonathan Edward Smithson (Amanda), Harlo O'Neal Staton, great grandchildren; Charla Elizabeth Wiggins, Nathan Fuller Smithson, Addison O'Neal Smithson, Damon Edward Smithson, great-great granddaughter; Kharley Drew Waller, daughter-in-law; Frieda Smithson, special niece; Nancy Smithson Taylor and many other nieces and nephews.

Ruth worked for Vanity Fair for 26 years and Golden Years for 33 years. She also worked at several family owned  businesses, Moundville Food Mart, Powers Loop Grocery, and O'Neals Fireworks. She enjoyed helping the elderly in Akron, Greensboro and Moundville.

Ruth loved her husband of 62 years. She enjoyed attending and watching Alabama Football games, gardening and cooking. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her great and great -great grandchildren.

Thank you for care and help to special friends Roberta Tucker, Marie Marcus, and Toya Spencer.

Pallbearers are Janie Smithson, Billy Hoggle, Mitchell Smithson, Jim Putman, Trent Taylor, Carl Bates, Tim Taylor, and Joey Crout.

Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Larry Skelton and staff, Nesa Terry, Hale County EMS, and Hospice of West Alabama.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in her memory to Hospice of West Alabama, Hale County High School Band, Moundville Elementary School, American Diabetes Foundation (Research), or Alzheimer's Foundation of America.