Liola Ruth Degrate SmithJune 2, 1932 ~ October 12, 2008 Liola Ruth Smith, "Babe Ruth" 76, of Waco, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2008 at a local hospital. Services will be 11a.m., Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Connally/Compton Funeral Directors Chapel with Bobby H. Johnson officiating. The public may view her on Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. as no formal visitation with the family is scheduled. Liola Ruth was born to Senora Anderson and Roosevelt Degrate on June 2, 1932 in Waco, Texas. She married Joe Arthur Smith, Sr. on December 19, 1952. Ruth accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized. She attended public schools in Waco and then cosmetology school in Fort Worth. She then worked and was co-owner of a Beauty Salon in Waco that was featured in LIFE magazine in the 1960's. She continued her education by attending McLennan Community College and Baylor University. Ruth was employed at Owens-Illinois for 21 years where she made many friends. Ruth was the first black female to become management at Owens-Illinois. Preceding her in death were her husband; daughter, Regina Fox; half-brothers, Sherman W. Degrate and Jerry O. Degrate; sisters, Elvira (Peaches) West, Pearline Dudley and Lenora Degrate ; and son-in-law, Raymond Scott, III. Left behind to cherish her memory are her daughters, Jo Dell (Jodie) Smith Browder and husband, Alvin of Atlanta, GA and Palma "Pam" Scott of San Antonio; son, Joe Arthur Smith Jr, and wife, Cynthia of Houston; grandchildren, Deann Lincoln, Janene Browder, Simone Lowe, Sean Lamont, Shea Benz, Jasmine Scott, Lauren Smith and Allaina Browder; brothers, James L. Degrate and wife, Lois of Waco and Timothy Degrate and wife, Mainoyc (Boots) of Yuba, Calif.; half-brothers, Roosevelt Degrate of Huntsville, Tommy R. Degrate of Waco and Alonzo Degrate of Waco; and half-sisters, Evelyn Claiborn of Waco and Betty Joyce Hawkins of Dallas.