Mary Ruth Smith

Mary was a true warrior. She fought the hardest fights, but you’d never know it by looking at her. She won the ultimate battle when she joined her Heavenly Father.

Mary was born in, and attended school in, the Ringgold, GA area, but was a lifelong resident of the Chattanooga, TN area. In her earlier years, Mary worked factory jobs and a housekeeping job at Erlanger Hospital; however, she spent the better part of her life as a homemaker. It was her greatest accomplishment. There was nothing she couldn’t do to make life better for someone else. She dedicated her every breath to making sure that those she loved felt it and were cared for deeply. If ever you were in the presence of Mary, you would feel that love extended to you, as she never met a stranger. Her family was ever-growing.

She enjoyed the simple things in life—coffee, yard sales, and family gatherings, to name a few. Her heart was most content when her family could all be together and enjoy one another. Mary’s impact on this life goes far beyond what can be explained. She will be loved and sorely missed—until we meet her again.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Daisy Eledge; husband of 31 years, Frank Smith III; son, Michael Smith; daughter, Christie Smith; brother, Jerry Eledge; and sisters, Marilyn Westbrook and Teresa Thompson.

She is survived by her companion of almost 20 years, Ricky Blaylock of Hixson, TN; children, Frank (Amy Jo) Smith IV of Hixson, TN, Thomas Smith Jr. of Huntsville, AL, Daisy (John) Smith of Soddy Daisy, TN, Amie (Chris) Humphreys of Hixson, TN, Randall (Melanie) Smith, Anthony Smith, and Eric Smith, all of Soddy Daisy, TN; grandchildren, Frank V (Brandy), Cody, Morgan (Robert), Emily (Nick), Buddy (Sydney), Hunter (Raven), Jimbo, Aslenn (Adam), Hali (Hunter T.), Zachary (Megan), Mckala, Riley, Amelia, Haily, Alyssa, and Lulu; great-grandchildren, Laila, Wyatt, Eliot, Clara, Jax, Leighanna, Knox, Phoenix, Jupiter, Elizabeth, Paisleigh, Frank VI, Solyra, Corrie, Adeline, Huntley, Elaina, Jadyn, and Raelynn; brother, Donnie (Brenda) Eledge of Chattanooga, TN; sisters, Gloria (Danny) O’Neal of Fort Oglethorpe, GA, Wanda Lindner of Ringgold, GA, and Linda Teters of Tullahoma, TN; best friend, Darla Holbert; and a host of family and friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Hearth Hospice, Tennessee Oncology, CHI Memorial Hixson, and anyone who helped in the care of Mary.

A Visitation for Mary will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin-Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37404.

A Celebration of life Service will immediately follow at 2:30 pm.

Arrangements entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin-Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37404, 423-265-4414.

Please visit our website to share your memories of Mary: www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com