Ruth Lavern Smith

She was born March 5, 1937, to Adelia (Hamilton) and William F. Nielsen.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents; three brothers William Morris, Fred, and Homer Ellis Nielsen; four sisters, Dorothy Lee Nielsen, Mary Louise Nielsen, Lillian Walker, and Mae Manning.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, J B (Shorty) Smith, pups George and Red, daughters Sharon Thomas of Leander, and Cindy Bohr and husband, Mike, of Austin; four grandchildren, Melissa Bonwell and husband, Derek Clausen, of Leander, Lara Bonwell of Corpus Christi, Nathan Bohr and his wife, Maria, of Round Rock, and Allyson Wilson of Austin; and three great-granddaughters Jolissa Baker and her partner Vanessa Lee, Larissa Yorgan, and Peyton Shelton, all of Leander. She was also blessed with many special nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Ruthie, as well as many friends and neighbors that she held dear to her heart.

Ruth was known for many years for her expertise in the banking, savings and loan, and real estate industry. After beginning her career out of necessity as a single mother of two young girls, Ruth worked hard to learn and advance herself through the local banking community. She left University Savings & Loan after becoming branch manager and assistant vice president to pursue her own business in real estate. After just a few years, she was a broker, owner of RS Properties, and a proud member of the Austin Board of Realtors, where she thrived until she retired to care for her husband when he became ill.

The family would like to express our gratitude to Seton Hospital Williamson County 5th floor doctors, nurses and staff, Double Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care staff, and Kindred at Home Healthcare staff for their compassionate care during the last months of her life.

Visitation with family will be held at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N Lamar Blvd., Austin, on Wednesday, September 8 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.

Services will be at Cook-Walden on Thursday, September 9 at 10:00 am with interment following at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, 2800 Hancock Drive, Austin.

Pallbearers are Brad Holland, Brian Holland, Trevor Martin, Craig Moreland, Blake Taliaferro, and Brett Taliaferro. Honorary pallbearers are Arval Baker, Jr., Keith Moreland, Don Nielsen, Dean Walker and Mark Walker.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, please wear a suitable face covering and practice social distancing. We love all of you and care about your health and well-being.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or other charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Smith family.