Ruth Earlene Smith Hoke-Hollar

Ruth Earlene Hoke-Hollar, 91, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday January 3, 2015 at Abernethy Laurels. On February 6, 1923 Sidney Lonzo Smith and his wife Pervie Mauney Smith were blessed with a beautiful daughter and named her Ruth Earlene Smith.

Ruth was a member of St. James Lutheran Church and had been a resident of Abernethy Laurels for the last several years. Ruth loved life and lived it to the fullest. Ruth’s first husband James Hoke enjoyed singing. James had a radio show, and Ruth would accompany him from time to time to sing with him on the radio. During their marriage of 20 years, they had six children. A few years later, she met and married Ray Hollar and welcomed his three young daughters into her family. Ruth enjoyed various exciting activities during her adult life. She attended a political national convention in 1976 in New York City and was invited to the presidential inaugural ball in 1977 where she had the opportunity to meet President Carter personally. Ruth enjoyed meeting famous people and had her moment of stardom, as well, appearing in the movie The Last American Hero. Even though Ruth enjoyed these times with notable people, there was nothing that she was more proud of than her family. Ruth came from a large family and she had a large family. She loved and admired each of them with all her heart. Ruth came from the great generation of very hard working people and was never afraid of work. Ruth spent many years working in the textile industries, but before retirement, worked as a store manager at The Odd Shop in Newton. Ruth had a very special heart for animals, especially cats and was known to take in strays on a regular basis. Ruth indeed was a colorful lady, very much full of life and vigor, and passed it on to her family. She will be missed greatly but leaves a wonderful legacy and many great memories and smiles.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and first husband James Hoke, second husband Ray Hollar, two sons, James “Jim” Hoke, Jr and Jerry Wayne Hoke, a brother Bill Smith and a sister that died as an infant, Gloria. She was also preceded in death by five grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Charles Hoke of Conover, and fiancée Kim, Peggy Cagle and husband Harold of Newton, Vicky Greeson of Claremont, Judy Sherrill of Newton, and daughter-in-law, Lela Hoke of Conover. Step-daughters Patty Martin and husband Steve of Newton, Karen Smith and husband Jeff and Tina Maxey and husband Calvin of Newton. Sisters Rebecca Ratchford and husband Jim of Newton, Margaret Drum of Maiden, and Brenda Greeney and husband Andy of Kernersville. Brothers James Smith of Lincolnton and Sidney Smith and wife Anne of Georgia. Ruth was blessed with 25 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on Tuesday January 6, 2015 at 3pm at Willis-Reynolds Chapel, 56 NW Blvd Newton, NC officiating with be Pastor John Lingle . A private entombment will follow at Catawba Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends prior to the service at 1 to 2:45 at Willis-Reynolds. At all other times, the family would like the public to know, they are located at 1638 Highway 16 South, Newton, NC 28658.

Ruth’s family would like to thank all her caregivers at Abernethy Laurels for their love and support of their mother. We will always hold a very special place in our hearts for each of you.

The family has requested that those who desire to make donations do so to Rising Hope Farms: 3775 Bethany Church Road, Claremont, NC 28610; St. James Lutheran Church: 1942 Saint James Church Road, Newton, NC 28658; or the Humane Society of Catawba County: P.O. Box 63 Hickory, North Carolina 28603.