Ruth J. Woods

Ruth J. Woods, 86, lovingly known as “Joanne," and “City” was born to Queen Esther (Solomon) Smith and Frank Smith on February 25, 1938, in Wellsburg, West Virginia. Ruth graduated from McKeesport High School, Pennsylvania. After high school, she moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to start her career as an insurance agent at Travelers Insurance Agency, where she later retired. In 1968, Ruth relocated to Detroit, Michigan as part of her job reassignment. Approximately ten years later, she relocated back to the Philadelphia/New Jersey area where she was embedded with the community, where she had many friends and became close with family members. She was united in marriage with Sam Woods, until he later passed away. Ruth relocated back to the Delmont/Greensburg area to care for her mother, Queen Esther (Solomon) Smith. Ruth was a member of First Antioch Baptist Church for over twenty-five years and also became a Trustee. She was also a life member and treasurer at the local chapter of the NAACP. She obtained a position as a retail sales associate at Walmart in Delmont, Pennsylvania where she later retired. She became known by many people in the community where she was well loved by family, friends, and customers. Ruth had a way of turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. It was through her warm smile, or the simple kindness she showed everyone she met. Her laughter could light up a room. Ruth lived a life that was uniquely beautiful. She understood that happiness was not just something to be found, but something to be created. That is exactly what she did. Ruth built a life rich in love, friendship, and meaningful moments. Ruth found joy in the little things such as a heartfelt conversation, the beauty of nature, and the love of family and friends. She showed us that happiness is not measured by wealth or success, but by the love we give and the lives we touch. Ruth’s life was a testament to the power of kindness, laughter, and always finding the good in every situation. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Queen Esther (Solomon) Smith and Frank Smith, her husband, Sam Woods and two brothers Dale L. Carter and Landon S. Smith. She is survived by her brother Alfred Carter of California and Aunt Lucille Tompkins of Florida, and nieces, nephews, goddaughter, and cousins. Relatives and friends of Ruth will be received Saturday in the First Antioch Baptist Church, 726 W Pittsburgh St. Greensburg, PA 15601 from 10 a.m., until the time of services at 11 a.m. in the Church. Interment will follow in Eastview Union Cemetery, Delmont. Ruth’s family has entrusted her care to the Clement L. Pantalone Funeral Home, Inc. 409 W. Pittsburgh Street, Greensburg, PA 15601, (724) 837-0020. For online condolences / directions, visit us at pantalone.com. Natale N. Pantalone, supervisor.