Ruby Smith

Ruby C. Ralston Smith, age 86, of Shepherdsville, Kentucky returned to her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. She was born on March 28, 1939, in LaGrange, Kentucky to the late Herbert “Woodrow” Lee Ralston and Ruth (Fendley) Jessie. She was a member of Greater Life Apostolic Church. Ruby was the first woman to work in the distillery industry, where she spent over 47 ½ years as a faithful employee of Jim Beam Distillery. She taught Sunday School at various churches for over 30 years and was a volunteer at Healthy Hearts. She and her husband started a bus ministry, picking up anyone who wanted to attend church. She was in charge of Puppet Ministries and worked fund raiser fish fries for many years. Ruby loved her church, but her true passions were her family and serving The Lord. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John M. Smith; brother, Raymond E. Ralston; sister Judith “Judy” Ralston Young and great grandson, Edward Heath.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Gary Eugene Smith (Charlotte), Debbie Lynn Heath (Greg), Maurice Douglas Smith, Melissa RaeAnn “Missy” Smith; nephew, Jerry Ralston (Vicki) who was more like a son than nephew; grandchildren, Nicole Johnson, Jonathan Heath, Roseanna Heath Headley (J), great-grandchildren, Dillian, Byron, Aubrey, Kenny, Winston, Wyatt, Kensley, and Elona; 3 great-great grandchildren as well as a host of other family, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral service will be conducted on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Apostolic Lighthouse Church (4602 Summit Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40229). Family and friends may pay their respects on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 9:00 until the time of service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Greater Life Apostolic Church and Apostolic Lighthouse Church to honor Ruby are appreciated.