Alice Ruth Smith (Lubbock)
Ruth Crocker Smith was born to John and Verna Crocker on March 4, 1930, in Murphysboro, Illinois. She passed away peacefully at 93, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
Ruth was raised in Tulia, Texas, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s in Education. At 19, she taught school in West Texas, and Ruth challenged everyone to strive for greatness and to live their dreams.
On September 23, 1955, Ruth married the love of her life, Howard Dale Smith of Lockney, Texas. They enjoyed a wonderful life together in Lubbock for the next 50 years until Howard’s passing. Howard and Ruth enriched their lives through their passion for traveling worldwide. Europe and Asia were two of their favorite travel locations. This passion for travel continued over the years with their children and grandchildren. Their love for Lubbock and Texas Tech gave them many opportunities to be involved in their community organizations, including their membership to Broadway Church of Christ, Lubbock Symphony, Children’s Home of Lubbock, Lubbock Art Alliance, Knife and Fork Club, and Lubbock Christian University.
Ruth was well known for her grace and elegance and the kind, loving, and giving spirit she displayed to everyone around her. She was active in many civic, charitable, and social organizations in Lubbock. She volunteered, participated in fundraising, hosted parties, and lived her life with an enthusiastic sense of style. She served as past President of numerous philanthropic groups in Lubbock, including Lubbock Women’s Club, Lubbock Antique and Collectors, Texas Tech Museum, Trowel and Error Garden Club, and served on the Board of Directors of The Sherick Retirement Home.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Howard D. Smith, her brother Donald Crocker, and her sister Jane Compton. She is survived by her son Dale Smith and his wife Cindy Smith of Plano; Elizabeth Smith Bickford and her husband David Bickford of Plano; her precious grandchildren Sarah Smith Schuller, Caroline Smith, Kathryn Smith, Emily Bickford West, and Andrew Bickford, and two great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Jameson Schuller.
Visitation will be on Friday evening, March 17th, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Resthaven of Lubbock. Graveside services will be at Resthaven on Saturday, March 18th, at 2:00 pm, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 pm in the Resthaven Chapel. If you wish to make a memorial gift in Ruth’s honor, the family suggests the Lubbock Women’s Club, the Children’s Home of Lubbock, or the SPCA.
