Ruby Virginia (Smith) Nachtigall

Ruby Virginia (Smith) Nachtigall was the ninth of twelve children born to C.E. and Lucy Smith.  Charlie (C.E.) chose to name her “Morning Glory”, for his love of flowers, but it was not to be.  Charlie nick-named her “Sweet”, but to most others she was known as “Virginia”.

Virginia was born on January 15th, 1931.  On this same day in 1950 she married her sweetheart, Herman Nachtigall, Jr., in Hydro, OK.

She left this world on February 18, 2019.

Proverbs 31 describes her.

“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband safely trusts her, so he will have no lack of gain.” (vs. 10-11).

She was Jr.’s help-mate in the store, in his roles at church, and in his Gideon jail ministry.

“She … willingly works with her hands.” (vs. 13)

She was hard working.

“She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.” (vs. 14)

Preparing a meal for anyone with a moment’s notice was her gift.

“She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her 

household.” (vs. 15)

Always active in the kitchen, she made big breakfasts, as well as prioritized reading the Bible and praying the Lord’s prayer as a family.

“She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.” (vs. 17)

She picked cotton, milked cows, picked fruit in the orchard, and prepared meals, which was Charlie’s grief when Jr. asked for permission for her hand. His response was “you mean you’re gonna take my Sweet?”.

“Her lamp does not go out by night.” (vs. 18)

She waited on kids to get home.  With waiting came a lot of praying.

“She extends her hand to the poor, yes she reaches out her hand to the needy.” (vs. 20)

Mission trips, caring for her parents, loving her Sunday school kids, taking pies to someone alone, and making visits to the jail and nursing home were her treasures.

“Strength and honor are her clothing she shall rejoice in time to come.

Her children rise up and call her blessed 

Her husband also, and he praises her.” (vs. 25, 28)

After celebrating their 65thAnniversary, she was suddenly left alone on May 5th, 2015.

Also proceeding her in death were her parents, 10 siblings, & her beloved granddaughter,

Wendy Miller.

She is survived by one brother, Doyle Smith; three sister’s-in-law, Jean Smith, Jeannie Smith, and Francis Witt; nephews, nieces, friends, church family,

and a very special friend, RD Lawrence.

Virginia leaves her legacy to:

Vicky & Scott Schwerdtfeger

Colin, Jesse & Sarah, Carly & Jordan, Jenna & Matt, & 9 Great Grandkids

Becky Nachtigall 

 Misty, Rachel, Brett, & 7 Great Grandkids

Paul & Vicki Nachtigall

Candice & Rayford, Chandra & Randy, Charity & Bryan, Chasity, Joshua & Danielle, 12 Great Grandkids, & one Great-Great Grandson

Kathy & Randy Lanie

Nicki & Justin, Emily & Cole, Lucy & Randall, Leah, Trent & Beth, & 11 Great Grandkids

A total of 75 will cherish the thought they were born into a union of 2 people who because of a blind double date,

fell in love at first sight. Through many joys, toils, and snares they lived what they professed and raised a family to know the truth:

God is Love!  Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE! No man comes to the Father except through HIM!

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, 

But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands

And let her own works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31:30-31

Virginia’s service will be held at the Wakita Christian Church on Friday, February 22, 2019 at 10:00 a.m., followed by the burial in Hinton, OK at 3:30 p.m.

Memorials can be made to the Baptist Children’s Home and the Wakita Community Health Center.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruby Virginia (Smith) Nachtigall, please visit our floral store.