Ruby May Smith

Ruby May Smith, 84, a longtime resident of Independence, passed away Christmas Day at the Medicalodge Nursing Home in Coffeyville, Kansas.

She was born January 22, 1940 in Pineville, Mo., the daughter of Edward Griffoth and Martha (Chandler) Griffoth. She was one of eight children born to the couple.

On June 7, 1958, she married Orlin D. Smith, and they later divorced. To this union four children were born: Allen Dwayne; Wesley Edward; Alicia June and Dustin Travis.

For many years, she dated Bruce Main, of Liberty, and they traveled the four-state area square dancing. She was forced to give up square dancing several years ago because of ill health. She enjoyed working and visiting with the people she met while working at the courthouse and K-Mart.

Survivors include her children: Allen (Cindy) Smith of Independence, Alicia (Andy) Smart of Coffeyville and Dustin (Stephanie) of Parkville, Mo.; her brother, Ronnie Joe Griffoth of Saginaw, Mo.; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers and sisters; and her son, Wesley on Feb. 23, 2018.

A celebration of life will be held in Independence at Webb and Rodrick Chapel, 306 W. Main on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 2pm. Services are under the direction of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel in Coffeyville. To view the live streaming of the service, leave a message of condolence or share a memory visit Ruby’s obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com