<!-- FH = Townson-Rose Funeral Home -->Dorothy Ruth Hampton SmithMurphy - Dorothy Ruth Hampton Smith, age 93, of Murphy, N.C. passed away Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at Murphy Medical Center.She was a native of Cherokee County, N.C. and the daughter of the late James Hilary and Bessie Tuttle Hampton. Ruth was a retired school teacher and had taught for many years at Ranger Elementary School. She loved gardening, her students and just taking care of everyone. Ruth was very active at the Hampton Memorial United Methodist Church and later became a member of the Murphy First United Methodist Church. She served with her husband the "parish" Methodist Churches in the Cherokee County, Ranger UMC, Bellview UMC, Tomotla UMC, Hampton Memorial UMC, Reid's Chapel UMC, Peachtree UMC, Martins Creek UMC and Maggie's Chapel UMC. Ruth was active in the WSCS, UMW, Church Women United, Retired Teacher's Association and Cherokee County Homemakers.In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Charles Alfred Smith; two sons, Charles Edward Smith and Donald Paul Smith; one daughter, Linda Smith Turpin; and her sister, Marcella Smith.She is survived by one son, Robert Lincoln Smith of Murphy, N.C. and his past spouses, Cindy and Wanda; one brother, Dr. Sherman Hampton and wife, Nancy, of Franklinville, N.C.; and one sister, Helen Lochaby of Murphy, N.C.; seven grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren; son-in-law, David Turpin; and daughter in-law, Margaret Earlywine; and several nieces and nephews.Funeral Services will be held at 2 PM, Sunday, October 28, 2012 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Rob Rollins will officiate. Burial will be in the Hampton Memorial Methodist Church Cemetery.The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 PM Sunday, October 28, 2012 at the Townson Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Hampton Memorial Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Helen Lochaby, 1655 Harshaw Road, Murphy, NC 28906.You may send tributes to the Smith family at www.townson-rose.comTownson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.