Nelda Ruth Smith

Nelda Ruth Smith, 90 of Lampasas, TX died Friday March 2, 2018 at Metroplex Hospital in Killeen. Nelda was born December 2, 1927 in Star, TX the daughter of Avery Allen Poe and Lera D. (Flatt) Poe. She graduated from Star High School in 1945. She attended Daniel Baker College in Brownwood and John Tarleton College in Stephenville and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University in 1950. She later earned her Master's degree from SWTSU in 1960. Her first teaching job was in Fairy, TX at age 19. She then taught school in Cherokee. While in Cherokee, she met Roy Lee Smith and after 2 weeks time she was introducing him to her family with the idea they might be married in the future. Marriage did take place May 19, 1951 in Cherokee. Nelda and Roy moved to Corpus Christi, where he was still stationed serving in the military. They later moved to San Marcos in 1954, on to Freer from 1959 until 1966, back to San Marcos in 1967 and retired after having taught school for 36 years. Science was her main subject to teach. Nelda moved to Star to help aging parents and while there she substituted at the school and served as Principal a short time. She was a member of First Street Church of Christ. Nelda is survived by her husband, Roy Lee Smith of Lampasas Daughter, Donna Helm and Steve of Buda Grandchildren; David Walton Smith (Vanessa), Kristan Smith, D’Ann Cogburn, Nocona Koenig (Darin), Stevie Helm, Shane Helm (Stephanie) 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild Brother, Wayne Poe (Aggie) of Valley Mills She was preceded in death by her parents and by her son, David Smith and by 2 brothers and one sister.   A visitation will be held Thursday March 8, 2018 at 12 noon at First Street Church of Christ and funeral service begins at 1:00 p.m. at the church building. Burial will be in Hurst Ranch Cemetery near Star. Sneed Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.