Ruth Maxine Wells Smith

Ruth Maxine Wells Smith, wife of the late Dr. Samuel Milton Smith, Jr., passed away at 100 years of age on November 21, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky. She was born to Colonel Lloyd Wells and Jessie McCosh Wells of Iowa. After graduating from nursing school, Maxine enlisted in the United States Army, and travelled overseas to serve her country as a wartime nurse during World War II. After she returned to the States, she continued her work as an Army nurse, where she met U.S. Army Dr. S.M. Smith. They moved to Fort Knox, Kentucky, and after leaving the military, soon moved to Louisville, where Dr. Smith began his internal medicine practice, and they lived the remainder of their lives.
Maxine enjoyed being a wife and mother to her four children. She was a homemaker, and took an active role in her neighborhood, where she was a neighbor who was always there to help others. She took part in her church, St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church, as her children grew up. Maxine enjoyed golf immensely, and was a member of Big Spring Country Club. She also enjoyed gardening, reading and playing bridge. Maxine treasured vacations with her children and grandchildren to Hilton Head, South Carolina in earlier years.
Survivors include her sons, Samuel Milton Smith, III, Louisville and James Lawson Smith (Elizabeth), Frankfort; three grandchildren, Cecily Katharine Smith, Michael Edward Smith (Sarah) and Jonathan Andrew Smith (Margaret); one great-grandchild, Logan Noah Smith and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Cheryl Smith and her son, Dr. Thomas Michael Smith, along with one sister and three brothers. She greatly appreciated the friendships and assistance she received from Buddy Mattingly, Laura Trachtenberg and Anita Bentsen.
A private graveside service will be held in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice or the charity of one's choice are appreciated.