Ruth O’Brien Smith

Ruth OíBrien Smith of Hendersonville died Friday morning, October 8, 2010 at her home.

She was born March 28, 1929 in Mason City, Iowa to the late Dr. Steve OíBrien and Mrs. Edith Schaeffer OíBrien. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Dr. Steve OíBrien, and her sister, Dr. Marie Alcorn.

Ruth OíBrien Smith was a woman of many talents. She and her husband lived with their family for eighteen years abroad, in France, Peru, Mexico, Australia and England. Jack and Ruth returned to the United States to settle in Lake Forest, Illinois for the next twenty-seven years. In Lake Forest she was an avid, and winning, golfer and also a writer who participated in book groups and the Coterie. In 2005, she and Jack moved to Hendersonville to retire. Ruth continued to play golf and was involved with the Literacy Council.

She is survived by her beloved husband, John (Jack) Smith and her six children, Susan Schnuer, Kevin Smith, Brian Smith, Steve Smith, Robert Smith and Elizabeth Schwarze, and also her twenty-one grandchildren, her in-laws, and her sister, Ann Brosius.

Ruth OíBrien Smith lived her life with grace, integrity and love. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10 AM Friday, October 15 at the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church with the Reverend John Salvas officiating.The family will receive guests in the St. Francis Hall of the church immediately following the service.

Memorials in celebration of Ruth Smithís life may be made to St. Gerard House, 208 7th Ave., Hendersonville, NC 28791, or to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.