Ruth Pond Smith

Mrs. Ruth Pond Smith, 87, died Saturday, April 04, 2009 at Winter Haven Hospital.

Born March 22, 1922 to Julia Gregg Maxcy Pond and Junior McDuffy Pond in Bartow, Florida, she was a lifelong resident of Frostproof. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother; and was loved and admired greatly by her family and friends. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Frostproof. She served as president of Jonathan Maxcy, Incorporated for many years, and was active in the family citrus business. She was known for her generosity, kind spirit, and sense of humor. A lover of animals, her home served as a refuge for countless stray cats and dogs.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Anderson Monroe (A.M.) Smith; parents; sister, Evelyn Richardson Pond; and brothers, William Gregg, Edward McDuffy, Jonathan, Hart Maxcy, James Gregg, and Virgil Manning.

She is survived by sons, Andy Smith (Maribeth) and Jimmy Smith (Jenny B.); and daughter Mary Catherine McDowell (Rodger); six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Frostproof. Graveside services will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at the Silver Hill Cemetery with Rev. Darrol Hood officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the First Baptist Church of Frostproof.