Ruth Ann Pitts of Fort Smith,, Arkansas passed away on December 22, 2011 following a brief illness. Ruth Ann Taylor was born January 19, 1928; she lived in the Saratoga area for many years and was a graduate from Ballston Spa High School . Ruth moved to Scotia , NY in 1959 when she married Clark Fonda, who pre-deceased her in 1998. Ruth and Clark were professional magicians, known as “The Fabulous Fondas” who performed locally and traveled extensively throughout the world on many cruise ships. She was also a popular and talented solo magician, and enjoyed the unofficial title of “Goddess of Gaslight Village” in Lake George . Ruth was an active member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) and the Society of American Magicians (SAM), and was an avid bowler and talented artist. Ruth married Bill Pitts in 2000, and relocated to Fort Smith , Arkansas where she enjoyed many years performing magic shows with Bill throughout the country, and being very active in their church, and American Legion Auxiliary organizations.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Bill Pitts, of Fort Smith , AR ; her four loving daughters: Janice Baird of Ballston Spa , NY ; Patricia Fonda of Briarwood, NY; Susan Dunbar of Galway , NY ; and Jo Newell of Amherst , NH ; three step-children, Debbie Moulton of Fort Smith, Bill David Pitts of Charleston, AR, Becky Barton of Greenwood, AR,; a step-brother, Bill White of Texas. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jeremy Baird, Jeffery Baird, Jason Baird, Jessica Creter, Adam Dunbar, Anjelica Newell, and Sam Newell; and five great grandchildren: Andrew Baird, Collin Baird, Hayden Cahill, Mattingly Creter, Sebastian Creter, as well as six step- grandchildren, and one step- great grandchild. Ruth was an eternal optimist who kept her focus on the bright side of life, and frequently quoted, “the show must go on!”
Memorial service will be 10:00 AM Saturday, December 24, 2011 in Roebuck Chapel at First United Methodist Church. Services and cremation are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Memorials may be sent to American Legion Auxiliary, 4901 ½ Midland Blvd, Fort Smith, AR 72904.
Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
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