Rubena Stanley Smith of the Sycamore Community passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2020 with her loving family by her side. She was born on December 25, 1935 in Grand Ridge, Florida to Charles Ryals Stanley and Myra Dudley Stanley. Rubena lived in Gadsden County all her adult life. After graduation from high school Rubena entered the Registered Nurse training program at Florida State Hospital soon earning her RN license. This began a career spanning 44 years of service to Florida State Hospital where she eventually retired as a Senior Registered Nurse Supervisor. In 1955, she married the love of her life, Hovey W. Smith and together they raised two sons Stan and Randy. Rubena was a kind, generous person who loved cooking for family, bream fishing and having gatherings for family fellowship. She loved her friends and family, but most of all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rubena always looked forward to visits from family and friends. She was a woman of faith and lived life serving others. Rubena was an inspiration to all who knew her, and she will be missed greatly.
Rubena is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Hovey W. Smith; two sons, John Stanley “Stan” Smith and friend Cindy and Randy Smith and his wife Barbara; four sisters, Betty Boutwell of Lake City, Rose El Bryant of Hampton, GA, Myra Burke and Catherin Gilley both of Grand Ridge; one brother, Joe Stanley of Chattahoochee; two grandsons, Joshua Smith (Amanda) and Adam Smith (Tabatha); six great grandchildren, Gage, Jada, Colton, Elizabeth, Emily, and Emmette; numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members as well as two faithful canine companions, “Tootie” and “Tuffy”.
Rubena was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Marion H. Stanley and a sister, Wanda L. Baxley.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Covenant Care Hospice and a long-time devoted caregiver Mary Hill for their loving care and support during such a difficult time.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made in Mrs. Rubena’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 https://www.stjude.org/
Due to the ongoing concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, a private family graveside service will be held at Sycamore Cemetery with Rev. Mitch Taylor officiating and McAlpin Funeral Home directing.
