Ruth W Simpson

Ruth W. Simpson, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and member of the Maggie Valley N.C. community passed away November 14, 2023, at the age of 94. Born in Virginia on December 2, 1928, Ruth lived a life dedicated to helping others. She was on the Board of Directors of the Maggie Valley Civic Association helping raise funds for many local community projects. Also, she volunteered many hours to help those with Alzheimer’s receive tracking devices in case they got lost. She was even a bell ringer for the Salvation Army during Christmas time. She served as President of the Maplewood Women’s Club and was a member of the Red Hat Society. Her local church was St. Margaret of Scotland.

Miss Simpson loved stage plays throughout her life, attending the shows and supporting the local Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, The Performing Arts Center at the Shelton House and the Papermill Play House in Maplewood New Jersey.

However, more than anything she loved her large family and her beloved cat Dewey. Ruth was the daughter of the late Simpson and Lyda Ruth Wickline. She was predeceased by her brother Hampton Wickline and her great grandson Vincenzo Armistead.

Her loving spirit extended to her family. Survived by her daughter Tina Ruth Carter (Artie Conk) and son Michael Dean Armistead (Debbie). Grandchildren Justin Dean Armistead (Kristin), Julie Lynn Loftus (Adam Capistran) and Sherri Lee Spain (Kevin), twelve great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews and great nieces, nephews on her Wickline side of the family.

Her warm smile and sense of humor and the way she would light up a room will be missed by all who knew her.

The family would also especially like to thank Laura Hill and Marilyn Naughton for their caring and support of Ruth during her recent illness.  We all really appreciate all that they both did for her.

In honor of Ruth’s memory, a reception followed by a service by Pastor Randy Duncan of New Creation United Methodist will be held to celebrate her remarkable life at 9am at Little’s Funeral Home, 1515 South Church St., Smithfield, Virginia on Saturday December 2^nd which would have been her 95^th birthday. There will then be a short drive from there to St. Luke’s Memorial Cemetery for the interment service.

Ms. Simpson’s initial care was entrusted to Well’s Funeral Home of Waynesville N.C. then final care to Little’s Funeral home in Smithfield Va. An online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at littlesfuneralhome.com and also at wellsfuneralhome.com.