Ruth Erlene Smith, 95, of Black Rock passed away January 18, 2023, at Walnut Ridge Nursing and Rehab.  She was born in Imboden, Arkansas on October 6, 1927, to William Owen and Eula (Weir) Winchester.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, J.B. Smith, only child Joseph Buster (Joey) Smith, and eight brothers and sisters.

She is survived by two grandsons, Dustin (Amanda) Smith of Walnut Ridge, David (Jessica) Smith of Jonesboro.  A daughter-in-law, Marilyn Kay Smith of Black Rock and sister Martha Sellers of Warsaw, Indiana. Two great-granddaughters, Allison and Piper Smith, three great grandsons Brady, Weston and Dayton Smith. Also surviving numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She married J.B. in 1947 as he came in from WWII.  They started and ran a dairy farm for about 50 years. She worked on it all her married life.  She milked cows morning and night seven days a week, no day off and no vacation.  She had a long, happy, good life.  She is with her loved ones now.

Graveside services will be Monday, January 23, 2023, at 10 a.m. in Oak Forest Cemetery in Black Rock.  Harold Russell will officiate.  All arrangements are under the direction of Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge.

Family will serve as pallbearers.