Ruby Jean Morrison Smelser, 78, of Frederick County, died peacefully with family at her side at her home on Thursday, September 20, 2018. She courageously fought multiple myeloma for over two years.

She was born January 14, 1940 in Clear Brook, Virginia, the daughter of John Russell Morrison and Lillian Fiddler Morrison. She was retired from Frederick County Public Schools where she loved serving the children in the cafeteria at Apple Pie Ridge Elementary School. She had been a care-taker for a special patient, Edna Marchelewski, since her retirement. She was a member of the Welltown United Methodist Church and then became a member of White Hall United Methodist Church. She married Roy Hite Smelser on August 24, 1957 in Clear Brook, Virginia. He passed away in April 17, 2013.

Ruby is survived by her three sons: Jeff Smelser (Beth), Scott Smelser (Dale Alderman), Chris Smelser (Irene); two daughters: Sandi Marganthaler (Chaz) and Tiffany Smelser, all of Winchester and Frederick County; seven grandchildren: Bryan Smelser (Amber) of Winchester, Laura Axelson (John) of Traverse City, Michigan, Jason Smelser and Carly Smelser of Frederick County, Jackie Smelser of Fairfax, Virginia, Chase Brown of Dover, Delaware and Alex Brown of Winchester; special niece, Kathy Evans of Winchester and special nephew, Tony Taylor (Stacey) of Sandersville, Georgia; great-nieces, Debi McNally of Winchester, Jennifer Evans of Harrisonburg, Virginia, great nephews, Bo Taylor of Sandersville, Georgia and Tim Evans of Winchester; two great granddaughters, Alea Marco and Avery Smelser, both of Frederick County; and a brother, James Russell Morrison of Winchester. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. She held a special place in her heart for her church family.

She was predeceased by her parents, John Russell and Lillian Morrison, her husband and a brother John William Morrison, a sister Betty Lou Morrison, special nephew Tony “TR” Evans and her beloved twin sister Ruth Dean Morrison Taylor.

When Ruby was not singing in the choir at church or looking after someone else’s needs she was filled with joy when she was cooking for her family and friends. She was a former duckpin bowler and loved jaunts to Lancaster, Pennsylvania with family.

She did not know a stranger. Ruby knew how to “work the room”. In doing so she made friends. During her time in the school cafeteria, she saw to it that no child went without a lunch by paying out of her own pocket. She bought a lot of ice cream at school for many children, too. If she noticed a child in need she was not afraid to quietly help.

We, the family, wish to thank everyone who supported her during her illness. Dr. O’Brien, Dr. Applegate, and the staff of Shenandoah Oncology. They treated her like a family member. Her loving church family was ready to assist when needed.

The family will receive friends on Monday from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Omps Funeral Home, South Chapel.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, 11:00 am at Omps Funeral Home, South Chapel with the Reverend Thomas Reynolds and Pastor Michael Moulden officiating. Entombment will be at Shenandoah Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions may be made to White Hall United Methodist Church, 3265 Apple Pie Ridge Road, Winchester, Virginia 22603 or to Bright Futures of Frederick County, 178 Indian Hollow Road, Winchester, Virginia 22603 (which assists school children who may have no food outside of the meals they receive at school).