Louisburg, NC -- Ruth Tillotson Smith, 87, of Louisburg, passed on May 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family one day before her 88th birthday.

Ruth was born on May 25, 1937, to the late Stanley Lee and Lois Roberson Tillotson. She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 61 years, Pete Smith; sisters Marie T. Valentine, and Janice T. Wilder; and brother, Authur "Bo" Tillotson. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher for many years alongside her good friend, the late Barbara Perdue.

"Ma Ruth" as called by her grandchildren and great grandchildren always had a smile on her face and was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Throughout her adult life she helped her in-laws and neighbors by driving them to medical appointments, grocery stores, and shopping malls. She was a major influence on her four children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, spending countless hours caring for them and loving every minute of it.

In her early years, Ruth was an excellent seamstress who made mother and daughter outfits and clothes for other family members. She was an excellent cook and homemaker for her family as she always planted a spring and fall garden and canned or froze vegetables for the winter months; cooked three meals a day from scratch; and kept her yard planted with beautiful flowers. She worked part-time with her husband in their family business by keeping books and managing the payroll, as well as serving as Board Secretary until the age of eighty. She also served the local community as a Notary Public.

Ruth was a fine Southern Lady and Christian woman. Not the kind who talks about it all the time, but the kind who lived it. She always dressed well every morning and had her lipstick on even if she was not going anywhere. Every time someone told her that they loved her, she replied "I love you more" right until the very end.
Whether called Mama, Ma Ruth, Aunt Ruth, Ruthie or Ms. Ruth, this "Great Lady" is missed by all that knew her. She is now resting at peace in heaven. She will forever remain in our hearts until it is God's will, that we join her.

Ruth is survived by her devoted daughter who served as her primary caretaker for many years, Sharon L. Smith of Raleigh, NC; sons, Keith Smith of Louisburg, NC; Jerry Smith (Michelle) of Savannah, GA; and Greg Smith (Tina) of Louisburg, NC; Grandchildren, Scarlett Smith-Johnson (Dawn); Kristi Smith; Parker Smith; Dallas Smith (Savannah); and Dustin Smith; Great grandchildren, Greyson Smith-Johnson, Lilli Parr, Gavin Smith, and Holden Smith; sister-in-law, Faye Burnette; brother-in-law, Douglas Smith (Betty); and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the following care givers for the excellent care they provided Ruth as she declined in health: Dianne Wood; Tomiko Alley, Tammy Harris, Amy Jones, and Susan Faulkner as well as the medical teams at Maria Parham in Henderson, NC; UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC; and Select Specialty Hospital in Durham, NC. We also would like to thank her special niece Judi Wilder, who spent quality time with her Aunt Ruth over the years taking her out to dinner or bringing dinner into her home when she could no longer drive.

Visitation is from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Lancaster Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, NC.

Funeral services will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025 with entombment to follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.

Flowers are welcomed as well as donations to Trinity United Methodist Church, 4272 US Hwy 401 North, Louisburg, NC 27549 by noting "Ruth Smith Memorial" on checks.

Arrangements are being handled by Lancaster Funeral and Cremation Services, 804 N. Bickett Blvd., Louisburg, NC 27549. Online condolences may be made to www.lancasterfcs.com.

Paid obituary