St. Mary’s Woods – Richmond
Mrs. Ruth Smith, 70 years old, was born and grew up in Wilson, North Carolina. Everything she learned as a child was from her father, a “Jack of All Trades.” Her high school graduation was in 1960 and she attended nearby Atlantic Christian College in order to help her mother with the health needs of her father.
Mrs. Smith married and had two sons. Her working career began as a bookkeeper while being a full-time mother, supporting her sons with their sports endeavors and activities. This kept her busy and left little time for extracurricular activities for herself.
Mrs. Smith worked for the Frito Lay Company for 20 years, up until her retirement in 1997. After retirement she began to enjoy golfing, but her health issues began to impede her ability to enjoy these types of activities. A serious health setback sent her to an assisted living facility. Mrs. Smith’s physical health may not be the best but she is as busy as ever as a resident of the facility. She is currently serving as the President of the Residents Council for a third term. Mrs. Smith is a major leader to the residents. She attends as many activities as possible and promotes the activities to her fellow residents. Mrs. Smith also contributes to the activities and events by planning and organizing them with the staff. Even after staff has left for the day, Mrs. Smith picks up the pieces and completes any current project. You would think she had worked as an event planner or activity director in her career because of the valuable contributions she makes. Mrs. Smith loves people and it shows in her fellowship and social skills. She gives daily to the many demands of living in an assisted living facility without complaints. Mrs. Smith initiates games, cards and crafts and then makes all residents feel welcome to participate.
Mrs. Ruth Smith is a resident of St. Mary’s Woods in Richmond where she has resided since July 2009.