Christel Margot Ruth Krummel Smalling

Mrs. Smalling was born November 26, 1926, to George and Betty Krummel in Bad Frienwalde, Germany. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, CWO3 John Franklin Smalling, Jr., US Army Retired.

She leaves behind her children, Susanne (Larry) Ledford and Rickey (Karen) Smalling; grandchildren, Col. Brad (Krystal) Ledford, Johnathan Ledford (Ashleigh Matzoll), and Zachary Smalling; great grandsons, Joshua Ledford and Andrew Ledford; sister, Margit; niece, Marianne (Peter); great niece, Diana; four great great nieces; the Smalling family including, brother-in-law, Troy (Alice) Smalling; sister-in-law, Elliott (Mike) Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

She smiled a lot, worked hard, always looked for the sunshine in the day and encouraged us to do the same. She saw the best in all of us, she gave her best to her family, friends and church, and loved us all well. She gave a perspective to life that left you better, for she knew what it meant to be grateful first to God and to one’s family and friends when all else was gone. She left a rich inheritance of a very present and powerful faith in her Lord and Savior.

She and we are appreciative for the many kindnesses extended to her by friends and family and acquaintances; and also to her church families at Pleasant Grove Church, Choudrant and Douglas Methodist Churches; and Calvary Baptist, Winston Salem, NC.

The entire staff and Chaplain at the Lutheran Services Carolinas, Trinity Elms Assisted/Skilled Nursing Homes, Clemmons, NC, cared for her with compassionate Christian love and friendship in her last years. Their vision is to fulfill the proclamation of Christ in John 10:10, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Trinity Elms is a strong witness to that vision in the care Christel Ruth received daily. Our deepest thanks to you all.

Phillipians 1:21 “ For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Somewhere in Heaven Christel Ruth is directing a choir and praising her Lord and Savior with her distinctive soprano voice.

Graveside services will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Choudrant, Louisiana at a later date.