In Memory

Ruth Wilbanks (Smith)

Ruth Ann Wilbanks Smith

1939-2020

Ruth Ann Smith “Mimi”, 80, returned to her heavenly home on November 25, 2020. Her devotion to her family and her relentless belief in God supported her in her struggles and led her to divine peace.

Ruth Ann was born to the late James Carroll and Ina Ruth Wilbanks in Fort Collins, CO on December 5th, 1939. She spent much of her childhood cooking for, caring for, and spending time with her relatives; especially her beloved niece (Sherry) and nephew (Ronny).

Ruth Ann was blessed with a large and very loving family. Ruth Ann met the love of her life, Owen Bland Smith, while attending Frank Philips Junior College. They wed on August 19th, 1961. Ruth Ann and Owen married in Borger, TX and later moved to Lubbock (TX) and New Orleans (LA), before settling in Littleton (CO) where they have happily lived for the past 55 years. Over the course of 13 years, the couple welcomed 5 children into their home and Ruth Ann and Owen set about teaching them of the Lord’s love and how to selflessly serve others. She was a homemaker who dedicated her life to caring for her family. Her kids remember her as faithful, spirited, giving, charismatic, and Christian.

Ruth Ann was an accomplished missionary who served in 25 domestic missions and 6 foreign missions where she brought a lasting impact on many communities while also simultaneously spreading the message of the Gospel. She was very passionate about the Women’s Missionary Unions (WMU) where they worked to raise money to complete missions across the world. Ruth Ann was an active and very dedicated member of Ken Caryl Baptist Church and often lent herself as a volunteer there. She loved helping out in children’s ministries as well as contributing as a cook in the kitchen during the time she attended Calvary Baptist Church.

Ruth Ann is survived by her husband, Owen; her daughters Susan (spouse: Dan), Lisa, Kelly and Erica; her son Mike; her grandchildren Brendan, Megan, Ryan, Alex, Tristan (spouse: Jaymi) Blaiklee, Ansley, and Rhylann; and her brother, Charles (spouse: Becky). She is preceded in death by her father, James; her mother, Ina Ruth; and her sister, Carollea. She will forever be dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is now at peace in the comfort of her Creator’s arms.

Due to the uncertain times, funeral arrangements are still to be determined and will be communicated as soon as decided. If you feel so inclined, please send any donations to Samaritan’s Purse: Operation Christmas Child in Ruth Ann’s name. This was a charity Ruth Ann loved to involve herself in every year and often provided upwards of 40 boxes a year to children in need.

(Published by Newcomer - West Metro Chapel, November 2020)