Ruth Jannesse Parks Smith

03/16/2005

Ruth Jannesse Parks Smith, 94, of Theresa Terrace died yesterday morning at Kimball Farms Nursing Center in Lenox. Born in Norwalk, Conn., on Aug. 20, 1910, daughter of Wallace and Ruth Denton Parks, she graduated from Norwalk High School. After retiring, she resided in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., for 15 years. She moved to Lee in 1982. Mrs. Smith was a ballet dancer with the Chester Hale dance troupe, performing at the Capital Theater in New York City. She danced professionally for two years prior to her marriage. She later operated the Ruth Parks Smith School of Dance in Norwalk until retiring in 1967. Her husband, Raymond J. Smith, whom she married Aug. 21, 1930, died on Oct. 24, 1982. She enjoyed traveling, reading, swimming and caring for her pets. She leaves three sons, Denton Smith of Lee, with whom she resided; Gerald Smith of Magnolia, Texas, and Ronald Smith of Pittsfield; 10 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. FUNERAL NOTICE -- Services for Ruth Jannesse Parks Smith, who died March 16, 2005, will be private. Burial will be in Norwalk, Conn., at a later date. Friends wishing may make donations in her memory to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of KELLY FUNERAL HOME, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.

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