Ruth Smith Durant

Ruth Smith Durant, age 96, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Dublin Square on September 22, 2025.

Ruth was born in Augusta, Georgia on November 20, 1928, to Charles Uldrick Smith and Ruth Stafford Smith. The family moved to Dublin when Ruth was a year old and it was in Dublin that she raised her family and lived her entire life. Ruth graduated from Mercer University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and was a member of Phi Mu sorority. After college, Ruth and Joe married. She taught elementary school for 2 years before she and Joe started their family of four daughters. She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church. She was a retired member of the Dublin Cotillion Club, Dublin Service League, and Erin Garden Club. Ruth played bridge regularly with seven "girlfriends" where a little bridge was played and also where they shared everything that was going on in Dublin. Ruth's favorite place to be was St. Simons Island. She loved having her family there, but it was truly special to her to have her five grandchildren stay with Joe and her over the summers. She loved teaching them everything about the beach, the ocean, hunting for sharks teeth and shells and especially teaching them to crab.

Ruth is survived by her four daughters; Deborah Fendig (Edwin), LuAnne Durant, Ruthie Brown (Bobby), Susan Darby (Pete Caye), grandchildren; Durant Brooks (Natanya), Stiles Brown (Emily), Robert Darby (Tori), Chandler Darby (Isabelle), Conley Bird (Nick), great grandchildren; Harper and Maci Jo Brooks, Mae and Hines Brown, Evelyn Bird, her sister Tippie Hill and several nieces and a nephew.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph Stiles Durant, Jr., sister, Betty Anne Griffin of Conway, S.C., and her son in law, David Darby of Augusta, Ga.

The family would like to acknowledge Ellen Braddy Smith for being such a wonderful friend to Ruth for so many years. Also, the family would like to to thank Dublin Square and Georgia Hospice Care for their continued care of Ruth.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at Dublin Memorial Gardens. Reverend David Thompson will officiate.

In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to Dublin First Methodist Church or to the charity of your choice.