Brenda Joyce Smith

Brenda Joyce Smith was born on March 10, 1943 in Wheeling, West Virginia. Brenda’s parents were Charles and Ella Ruble, Brenda was a ray of sunshine from the day she was brought into her family, joining her brothers Dave and Lee Ruble.

Brenda later met and married the love of her life, James Joseph (J.J.) Smith. Their love was one for the books. J.J. brought out Brenda’s adventurous side, they traveled to Europe, and her favorite stories to tell were from their travels to Italy and Spain.

Brenda was blessed with two loving children, Mark Spoto and Lisa DeLao. Brenda’s children and her beautiful granddaughter; Alexa Marie were the center of her existence and Brenda was the center of theirs.

The love and friendship Brenda shared with all that were fortunate to have known her, paved a path of loyalty, support and to her sincere heart where everyone could share their thoughts and hearts. Brenda was not only a ray of sunlight she was the one person that made everyone around her strive to be a better person. Brenda’s love and care was the engine that kept her family together and moving forward. Brenda started her day with a smile and ended each day with a smile, she was the beginning and ending to the day for those who loved her.

Brenda created many wonderful times with her family. Lisa recalls the memories of her childhood when the family would go camping and the joy of baking cookies and watching the Steeler’s games together. Brenda’s son Mark, became Brenda’s care taker, but care taker is only a word and it does not describe their times playing Bingo or betting on football game stats! Both children will cherish their daily chats with their mom. Brenda and Lisa talked on the phone everyday and was one of the highlights of both of their days. Brenda also shared her love for cooking and baking with her family.

Brenda Joyce Smith passed away surrounded by the love of her family on December 18, 2019. Though the hearts of her family are broken, the many beautiful memories shared and the traditions created will continue to serve as strength to carry on. There are many more football stats to check and many more cookie bake-offs to happen. Brenda continues to smile upon her family with each sunrise and the warmth of her embrace will always be felt when her recipes are warming up the homes of her family and friends.