Ruth (Smith) Anderson

Esther “Ruth” S. Anderson, age 92, passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at her son and daughter in law’s home under the care of Bethany Hospice.  She was born in Reidsville on December 26, 1929 and would make Reidsville her home for her entire life.  After completing her education, she would return to teach at the Reidsville School and join Delta Kappa Gamma sorority. (During this period Reidsville only had one school).  Following her passion for teaching and wanting to be able to reach more students, she would go on to teach at Diamond Elementary on Ft. Stewart and retire after 30+ rewarding years there.  It was in her retirement that she would find new ways to explore, serve, and lead her community.   At 50 years old she would have the opportunity to parachute from an airplane with the Rangers from Ft. Stewart!  After this exciting experience, there was nothing that could hold her back.  As a retired educator, she would go on to join the Tattnall County Retired Educators. Mrs. Ruth found another passion with the Reidsville Garden Club.  She was very active with the events and activities the club participated in and her dedication would see her rise to multiple offices (including President) within the club but also many district appointments in the Georgia District Garden Club.  As an avid history buff, Ruth was a member of the National Historical Association, the Georgia Historical Association, and was one of the key people in Tattnall County forming the Tattnall Archives in the location of the former jail.  She was also a Director of the Historic Alexander Hotel committee.  To mix in a little fun with all the civic work that she accomplished, Mrs. Ruth was a member of the Reidsville Rascalettes and the Pond House Girls.  Nothing however compared to her love for the Lord.  She would serve faithfully for the majority of her life at Reidsville United Methodist Church.  Her devout dedication to God would lead her to serve as the Worship Chairperson, leader of the Acolytes, and always willing to step up to any other need that the Church had.  After many decades of service to others, Mrs. Ruth was named Tattnall County Citizen of the Year.  Even being as busy as she was, she would always carve out a little personal time for her favored activities including traveling, sewing and reading.  A dynamic dreamer that never dared to avoid service to others and was devoted to God and community; Ruth will be dearly missed by all who knew her.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Aldwyn Vandon and Esther Naomi Todd Smith and her brothers, Vandon, Ellis and Swinton Smith.

She is survived by her son and daughter in law, Clay and Cita Anderson of Reidsville; grandson, Byron (Melissa) Anderson of Reidsville and her great grandchildren, Essie and Sebastian Anderson; numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Grace Point Church in Reidsville beginning at 1:30pm on Sunday, November 13, 2022 with the funeral service to follow at 2:00pm with Reverend John Crosby officiating.

Memorials may be given to Bethany Hospice 109 South Duval Street, Claxton, GA 30417 or Grace Point Church, 123 East Brazell Street, Reidsville, GA 30453.

Low Country Cremation and Burial is serving the Anderson family.