Mrs. Ruth Mae Baldwin Smith Waters, age 89, a resident of Maritime Loop Road, Bath, died Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, at her home.

A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Monday in the Chapel of Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington conducted by the Rev. Curtis White. Burial followed in Oakdale Cemetery in Washington.

The following served as pallbearers: John Everett, George Miller, Surry Everett, Starley Stell, George Elliott, Reuben Braddy, Earl Barber and Leon Wingate.

Mrs. Waters was born in Franklinton on Jan. 14, 1922. She was the daughter of the late Jesse Baldwin and Elizabeth Arnold Baldwin. Mrs. Waters was raised by her late adoptive parents Charles Warren Bowen and Annie Laura Bowen. She was a homemaker and a farmer. Mrs. Waters loved to work in the fields. She also loved to knit and travel. She was a member of the Bath Christian Church and the Colonial Book Club.

Mrs. Waters was married to James O. Waters, who preceded her in death.

Mrs. Waters is survived by a son, Charles Bowen Smith and wife Angela C. Smith of Raleigh; daughter–in–law, Chris Tankard Smith of Bath; two granddaughters, Carter Tankard Smith and Sloan Winstead Smith; four nephews, John Baldwin, Gray Baldwin, Stephen Baldwin, Henry Wilson Baldwin; and stepchildren, Dr. Cynthia Diehl and husband, Dr. Lee Diehl, and their children, Ashley and Brooks; Robert and Gabrielle Lowry and their children, Alexa and Isaac.

In addition to her parents and parents, Mrs. Waters was preceded in death by two sons, Warren Bonner Smith and Wilton Winstead Smith Jr.; and two brothers, Jesse Baldwin and Henry Baldwin.

The family received friends following the service at the home of John and Cindy Baldwin, 115 N. Main Street, Bath, NC 27808.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bath Christian Church, P.O. Box 300, Bath, NC 27808 or the Bath Community Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 176. Bath, NC 27808.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Waters family.