Smith-Byers, Ruth KrausMrs. Smith-Byers, 83, passed away on April 21, 2017. A memorial mass to celebrate her life will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, April 25th at St John Neumann Catholic Church, 8451 Idlewild Rd in Charlotte, NC with Father Pat Hoare celebrant. The family will receive friends at 9:30am prior to the service in the gathering area and immediately following a reception will be held in the Parish Hall. Her inurnment will be privately held at Sharon Memorial Park. Ruth was born on August 25, 1933 in Endicott, NY to the late Leo and Lucy Kraus. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Guthrie Smith; son, Scott Smith; siblings, Barbara Pease and Leo Kraus, Jr.Mrs. Smith-Byers attended Fisher Junior College in Boston. She was an Executive Administrative Assistant. She retired from Lutheran Counseling Center. Earlier in her career she worked for WSOC Radio, Inc., Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center, Vanderbilt University and Harpur College. She served as a Eucharistic Minister and former member of the church choir. Ruth enjoyed gardening and traveling, but most of all, dedicating her life to her family. She was blessed enough to find true love a second time in her life when she met Richard.She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Byers; daughters, Debbie McMorrow (Andy) and Sharon Thompson (Rick); daughter-in-law, Janet Smith; grandchildren, Ryan, Allison, Patrick, Colby, Carli and Lily; and other relatives and friends.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte 28204. Arrangements are in care of Heritage Funeral Home, 4431 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail, NC 28079. Online condolences may be left at www.heritagecares.com