Ruth Smith Gibson departed this life on Monday, December 6, 2021. She was born in Florence on February 23, 1928 to the late Jessie and Mattie Smith. Her brother, Ernest, introduced her to C. Alton Gibson, and the two quickly fell in love. Ruth and Alton's love story played out against the backdrop of World War II as they exchanged letters while Alton was serving in the Navy in the Pacific Theatre. Upon his return, Alton and Ruth were married at the home of their pastor and started their lives together. In 1950, Ruth welcomed daughter Bonnie Louise, and, in 1953, daughter Joyce Arlene joined the family.

Ruth was a devoted homemaker and enjoyed showing off her decorating skills and favorite recipes at big pool parties, family birthdays, and holiday gatherings. Along with her husband, Ruth could be found welcoming customers behind the counter at Gibson's One Stop on West Palmetto Street. She enjoyed camping trips in their RV and days out on their boat with family and friends. Above all, her enthusiastic personality and love of her family were infectious and made her truly one of a kind.

She is preceded in death by her husband, C. Alton Gibson, her sister, Thelma Smith Calcutt, brother Ernest Smith, brother Mendel Smith, and stepmother Mary Smith.

She is survived by daughters Bonnie Hutto (Danny) and Arlene Vereen (Jerry); grandchildren Ron Watford, Jr., Justin Watford (Allison), Bonnie Sturkie (Kevin), Natalie Vereen-Davis (Landon), and Amber Paugh (Andrew); great-grandchildren Kayla Sturkie, Braxton Sturkie, Britton Davis, Gibson Davis, Preston Watford, Hailey Watford, Trevor Watford, Amalia Paugh, and Anastasia Paugh; and niece Renee Calcutt Bell (Crues).

A graveside service, directed by Cain Calcutt Funeral Home, will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 10, 2021, in the Florence National Cemetery.  The family will speak with those in attendance following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation or the Alzheimer's Association.