Ruby Alice Baird-Smith

Ruby was born on May 26, 1938, to Charlie L. Riley and Golda B. Davis Riley on a family farm in Fort Ashby, West Virginia. She was the 4th of 5 children: Sisters Opal and Sarah (Sally), who along with Ruby were well known as the “Riley Girls” to all those who grew up with them. And brothers Frank and Ira Dean (a.k.a. Buster)

Ruby graduated from Fort Hill High School in Spring Gap, Maryland in 1956. Afterwards she went on to John Hopkins Hospital where she received an x-ray technologist certificate and began working as a radiologist in Baltimore, MD. During this time Ruby met and fell in love with Bruce William Baird. Ruby and Bruce were married in November 1958 after which, they moved to New York and started their family. Eventually they settled with their three children, David Andrew, Dale Andrea and Dawna Aileen, in New Fairfield, CT in 1973. Their family home was in a small lake community where Ruby loved spending time near or in the water, whether that meant running down the street to Candlewood Lake or escaping to Bruce’s parents’ cottage on Long Island Sound. She loved to swim and feel the sand between her toes and shared these loves with her children and grandchildren.

Ruby’s career spanned several decades as a radiology/mammography technician. Beyond her career Ruby also utilized her medical knowledge as a volunteer for the Squantz Pond Volunteer Engine Company for almost a decade, where she rode the ambulance as an EMT IV tech. When not on call with the ambulance Ruby also spent many years as a reporter, photographer, and columnist for the local newspaper, The Citizen News.

Ruby was an avid collector of antiques and a gifted furniture restorer. Together with her brother Ira Dean, she not only filled her house with treasures until there was no more room but also decided to open an antique shop called Collectibles on the Green. Throughout her life Ruby loved to crochet and knit, especially prayer shawls, baby hats and blankets. And she was a voracious reader, as well as an accomplished and competitive bridge player who loved to teach her family and friends how to “improve” their game.

Upon retirement, Ruby relocated to the Kings Isle community in Port St. Lucie, FL, where she was an active member of the community. During this time, she translated her lifelong love of reading into volunteering at a local elementary school as the class grandmother and donated many books to the school. She also continued to play bridge competitively, participating in many tournaments and has a penny jar filled with bridge winnings to prove it. Ruby was always passionate about her faith and was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church. She found great joy in helping with the church’s many ministries and thoroughly enjoyed attending/hosting bible studies where many special friendships were formed.

Ruby loved her family. She lit up when talking about her grandchildren Eric Baird, Conor Baird, Noah Lovejoy, Megan Lovejoy and Evan Lovejoy. Ruby also became a great grandmother in March 2022 to Harper Ruby America Baird. Ruby cherished her extended family including her sister in-laws, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great nephews. Her warmth and laughter, which could fill up a room, will be greatly missed. She was truly a lover of life.

Ruby was predeceased by her beloved husband Bruce Baird, and brothers Frank and Ira Dean.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Port St. Lucie, on Saturday April 16, 2022, at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First United Methodist Church of Port St. Lucie Memorial Fund, 260 SW Prima Vista Blvd, PSL, FL 34986 or the Treasure Coast Food Bank, 401 Angel Rd, Ft. Pierce, FL 34947 (www.stophunger.com)