Ms. Ruth Smith was born February 22, 1928 in Texarkana, Texas to Wesley and Edna Trotter Sowell. She accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. She graduated from Macedonia High School and spent most of her life as a cook.

Ms. Smith later attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her focus was on evangelism and from that time forward she preached day and night (especially to her children) and to all that would hear. She loved the Lord and wanted

everyone to know and love Him as much as she did.

Ms. Smith was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, Kenneth Merriman and Clyde Merriman; one daughter, Shirley Merriman; and two grandchildren, Dean Merriman and Nicole Keener.

She leaves in the loving hands of God:

Daughter: Elnora (Joe) Payton (Texarkana, TX)

Sons: Larry (Marie) Merriman (Bryant, TX)

Michael Merriman (Texarkana, TX)

Ricky Baker (Lonoke, AR)

Brother: Elbert Sowell (Little Rock, AR)

20 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great- grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.