Ruby Elaine Smith

Ruby Elaine Smith, 74, of Harrison, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Hospice of the Hills in Harrison.

Elaine was born January 28, 1951, in Harrison to Johnny and Ruby Morris Howard. She spent her younger years in California, of which she had many fond memories with her family. They returned home to live on their family farm in Osage when Elaine was in the third grade, and she would attend Alpena School until she graduated in 1969.

In 1971 Elaine married her high school sweetheart Tim Smith, and they would spend the next 54 years together creating a beautiful life and family that they loved.

Elaine chose a career in education, earning her bachelor's and master's degrees from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. She truly enjoyed teaching, which she did for 40 years, starting at Sacred Heart Academy in Morrilton, and returning to Alpena where she taught for 36 years until her retirement. She loved her students and co-workers and was a dedicated member of the Alpena Leopard family, where she impacted many lives through the years.

Elaine faithfully attended Restoration Life Fellowship Church in Batavia. She enjoyed many activities, with traveling, road trips, basketball games (especially when her boys were playing), camping at the lake and White River, and family gatherings being at the top of the list, and where love and laughter did abound.

Elaine was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend, but her greatest joy and favorite role was that of Nanny to her four precious grandchildren. She eagerly attended any and all activities (and there were many) and was truly their biggest fan. She took great care to make sure every holiday, birthday, or special occasion was joyfully celebrated, creating wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. She absolutely loved spending time with her grandkids, and "Nanny days" were cherished and enjoyed by all.

Elaine's warmth, kindness, and devotion to her family and friends will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her father, Johnny Howard, in-laws Carl and Eva Mae Smith, and brothers-in-law, Mike Wilson and Jay Newsom.

She is survived by her mother, Ruby Howard; her loving husband, Tim Smith; two sons, Kiley (Celetha) Smith and Jordon (Brooke) Smith; four grandchildren, Aiden, Sophie, Tyler, and Riley Smith; brother Corky (Lisa) Howard; sister-in-law Jeanine Wilson; and many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 12, 2025 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, August 13 at 10 AM at Coffman Funeral Home with Jeanine Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be her sons and grandchildren, Kiley, Jordon, Aiden, Sophie, Tyler, and Riley Smith. Honorary pallbearers are nieces and nephews, Corky Howard, and Jack Smith.

Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of the Hills, 501 E Sherman, Harrison, AR 72601.

On-line condolences can be left at www.coffmanfh.com.

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