Ruby Smith

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Ruby Willene Howard Smith, 84, of Advance passed away Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, at Advance Nursing Center.

She was born June 30, 1927, at Bernie, Mo., daughter of David Oakle and Lila Pritchett Swift.

Ruby worked at Inland Shoe Factory 15 years. She then owned and operated Ruby Howard's Grocery Store almost 30 years.

She and Millard Howard were married April 1, 1944. He preceded her in death Oct. 2, 1983. She later married Herschel E. Smith on Nov. 27, 1997. He preceded her in death in 2005.

Survivors include four daughters, Phyllis Robinett of Advance, Lecie Winberry of St. Louis, Shelia Owens of Jackson, Regina Householder of Cruger, Miss.; nine grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and six half sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands and a sister.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Morgan Funeral Chapel.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Rev. Ray Placher officiating, and the Rev. Dan Sitze assisting. Burial will be in Bernie Cemetery at Bernie.