Solatus “Ruth” Sartin Smith

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Mrs. Solatus “Ruth” Sartin Smith, 99, died Monday, April 29, 2024, in the comfort of her home in Oxford, MS. A service honoring the life of Mrs. Smith will be held Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Rev. David Ard officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow the service in Shiloh Cemetery.

Ruth was born on February 16, 1925, in Calhoun County, MS, to the late Missouri Jane Vaughn and Henry Alton Sartin. She married young to Riley Albert Smith, whose service in the military stationed the couple in Virginia. It wasn’t long before they were relocating internationally, living in Japan in 1952, and moving to Canada in 1956. By boat, train, plane, and car, Ruth had lived a thousand lives, all while raising her children and caring diligently for her family. She lacked no confidence, fearlessly traveling to whatever location laid ahead. Ruth developed a love and appreciation for travel, doing so extensively and as often as possible. She was famous for her quote, “have car, will travel,” and stayed true to her word, taking road trips as far as California even into her 80s and 90s.

As the wife of a veteran, she had a heart for those that had bravely served. Ruth volunteered her time often with the Disabled American Veteran’s Auxiliary and served as State Commander from 1983-1984. She was a former member of Shiloh Baptist Church and, upon returning to Oxford, became a member of North Oxford Baptist Church. Ruth enjoyed all types of work with her hands, including crocheting, knitting, and embroidery. She lovingly made clothing for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and it brought her great sadness when she was no longer able to make pieces for the new additions to her family. Serving as the matriarch of five generations, Ruth was a wellspring of wisdom, always willing to share cooking tips, advice on life, or simply provide a shoulder to cry on. She held endless support and love for her family, who meant more to her than anything in the world.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Riley Albert Smith, Sr.; daughter, Jane Smith Carwyle; son, Richard Alton Smith; her grandson, Jay Mayfield; and her three sisters.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Patricia Smith Mayfield (Jim) of Etta, MS and Sylvia Smith Zebrowski; son, Riley Albert Smith, Jr. (Wara); grandchildren, Jeff Thomas (Lisa), David Carwyle (Jill), Jody Mayfield (Margie), Jennifer Arbuckle (Tony), Jeremy Carwyle (Sandra), Janna Moorhead (Kim), James Carwyle, Brad Babb (Dezra), and Keith Babb; as well as 14 great-grandchildren and many great-great-grandchildren.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Ruth’s memory may be made to Shiloh Cemetery Fund, c/o Daniel Allen, 31 County Road 429, Oxford, Mississippi 38655.