OUIDA RUTH DEAN SMITH's Obituary
Ouida Ruth Dean Smith, a long-time resident of Coral Gables, Florida, died peacefully during her 86th year on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at the East Ridge Retirement Center in Cutler Bay, Florida. She was born on May 12, 1936 in Lanett, Alabama to the late Ellis Quinton and Arrie Mae (Lipham) Dean. Ouida was preceded in death by her husband, Captain John H. Smith, Jr.
Ouida is survived by three sisters: Linda Ann (Ronnie) Dobson, Sue Ellen Abner (Waymon, dec), Marcia Katherine (Phillip) Parrish, along with many adored nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews, and cousins.
Ouida was a member of Granada Presbyterian Church in Coral Gables, Florida. Van Orsdel Crematory and Chapel is handling the cremains arrangements. Pastor Phil Binnie will be officiating at a private ceremony. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the charity of your choice.
OUIDA DEAN, oh boy!, where can we begin and what all we can say about her! Ouida was the first born of five (5) girls. She taught all of us girls our manners and how to be real ladies. We all admired and loved her; she was so much fun to be around! Her personality made a person want to be near her. She would set you straight when she wanted to make a point or knew she was right on an issue.
Ouida was well known in our area for her beauty and measurements. Every beauty contest she entered, she won. She was featured in an automobile magazine advertisement and caught the eye of Nascar and then she was asked to be Miss Nascar in Daytona, Florida.
Ouida attended Auburn University and received many honors while there. She married Captain John H. Smith, Jr.-a pilot for Eastern Airlines and together, they lived in many places all over the United States and abroad. They loved to travel. She and John had a wonderful life together. Their permanent home was in their beloved Coral Gables for over 60 years. Well-loved by her family and friends, we will all miss her flirtatious smile, laughter and the twinkle in her eyes. Ouida was beautiful, both inside and out.
We could go on and on about Ouida but we’ll just say goodbye for now. We will see you again in Heaven. We love and miss you. Rest in peace, dear sister.
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