Ruth Smith

On Thursday, June, 13th, Ruth Leslie Smith, left us to be with the Lord in Heaven. She is now free with clear sight, clear thoughts, and a strong body. She is with her husband of 54 years, George, who passed away in 2004, and with family and friends who went before her. Ruth was born on February 11th, 1933, to Agnes Lorraine Latham and Allen Leslie Latham of Eugene, Oregon. Ruth's father was from North Dakota and had lived in Eugene. His wife, Agnes Badal Latham immigrated as a 12 year old Assyrian refugee from her home country of Iran (Persia), during WW1 and the wars of the Ottoman Empire and settled with family in Turlock, California. They resided in Eugene and Tillamook, Oregon, Los Angeles, California, and Springfield, Oregon. George and Ruth married in November of 1950 in Eugene, Oregon. The couple moved to Torrance, California, where they bought a house and raised a family. Linda was born in 1951, and David was born in 1955. Their life revolved around George's close-knit family. Ruth would often say how lucky she was that she experienced so much love and acceptance. Life was a series of family get-togethers at the beach, parks, camping, and just dinners at homes. Ruth and family became very active in their home church, South Bay Church of God in Torrance. Ruth was in the church choir, a Sunday School teacher, and even became a teacher, then later, the director of the church's preschool, Noah's Ark. "Miss Ruth" was loved by all. She was living her ministry. She continued when she later became a nurse's aide at South Bay Hospital in Redondo Beach. She chose to work in Oncology. Ruth was very creative and a talented artist who painted in oils, loved playing the piano and loved to write. Ruth is survived by her brother, Robert Latham, and spouse, Jeanie; her daughter Linda White, and spouse, Dave; her son David, and spouse, Donna. She has six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She has many nieces and nephews who have been close to her heart. Ruth was a dear friend to many. She wanted to share Christ, His love, grace, and promises.