Ruth Smith
March 8, 1913 — August 12, 2008
Ruth Smith
Ruth was born March 8, 1913, in Malden, Massachusetts. Her parents were Esther and Charles William Wallace Slocomb. Her father was Treasurer of New England Telephone Company and owner of one of the first car dealerships in Malden. A family-favorite story, Hannah Duston, Ruth's ninth great-grandmother, was renowned for her actions defending her family in a Haverhill, Massachusetts, settlement during an Indian raid in 1697.
Ruth was the youngest of three sisters born to Esther and Charles. She met the love of her life, Paul Chenoweth Smith, at Malden High School, where she graduated in 1931. Paul graduated from Boston University while Ruth went to nearby Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, where she graduated a math major in June, 1935. They were married one month later, July 13, that same year.
Paul was a Malden High School teacher, a small business owner, and a Malden City Councilman. He also served as a Naval Officer in World War II, which took them to San Francisco for a short time before returning to Malden.
Ruth and Paul had three sons, Peter Slocomb, Mark Chenoweth and David Bailey, whom they raised in Malden and then Melrose, Massachusetts, where they lived for 33 years. Ruth built her life around her sons and their families. She was a devoted and supportive mother and wife, an avid reader, enjoyed bridge, was well-versed on world affairs, and always upbeat, positive, and proud to be an 'old New Englander.' She was an enthusiastic Boston sports fan and known for her fondness of fashion, from the flapper years to the present.
In 1968, Ruth and Paul retired to Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, where they kept a summer home, and to Highland Beach in South Florida, where they kept a winter residence. Always willing to try new things, Ruth took up golf at the age of 60 and played often with Paul, her brother in law, her grown sons, grandsons and friends, thriving on the competition and camaraderie of the sport.
Paul passed away January 8, 1984, at age 71. Ruth was also preceded in death by her sisters Elizabeth (2002) and Bailey (1991).
After living a healthy, vibrant, energetic life, Ruth is survived by her three sons, Peter Slocomb Smith, of Hilton Head, Mark Chenoweth Smith, of Woolwich, Maine, and David Bailey Smith, of Rockport, Massachusetts, and their wives, Maureen P., Judith M. and Judith H. Smith. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Tracey Ackerman, Randall Smith, Steven Smith, Kristin Walling, Joshua Chenoweth, Kevin Smith and Timothy Smith; five step-grandchildren: Kimberly Robbins, Teresa Messineo, Trey Faulkner, Thomas Hoyt and Jerry Hoyt; and seventeen great-grandchildren.
A woman of great love, strength and inspiration, Ruth was always there for her family and friends. She will be missed by many.
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