JUDY ELIZABETH ELLISON SMITH

Judy Elizabeth Ellison Smith, 79, of Rocky Gap, VA, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 09, 2026.  She was born in Bluefield, WV, November 22, 1946, to the late Waitman Golf and Geneva Hurst Ellison of Bluewell, WV.

She was a graduate of Montcalm High School in Montcalm, WV.  She worked different jobs such as, housekeeper, medical secretary and she completed the program at Little French Beauty Academy School.  Her most important job was being a caregiver for her family.  In that, she gave selflessly, endured and taught patience and extended love and care to everyone she knew.  She was compassionate and kind to all.  She could never turn away a stray cat or dog and made sure that not one animal would go hungry.  She loved spending time with her family, eating holiday meals and watching her grandchildren grow.  Also, she would never turn away a piece of chocolate candy.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers: Don Ellison of Springville, VA and Jerry Ellison of Rocky Gap, VA.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving, sweet husband: Ronnie Smith of Rocky Gap, VA; her two children: Kenneth (Candi) Smith of Roanoke, VA and Karen (Rodney) Ratliff of Rocky Gap, VA. Grandchildren include: Emily (Dillon) Groseclose of Ceres, VA, Benjamin Ratliff and friend, Caroline Cox of Rocky Gap, VA, Cassie Clyburn of Rural Retreat, VA, Billy Mullins of Rural Retreat, VA, Lexie Smith of Wytheville, VA; great-grandchildren: Mason, Holden and Keylan; special brother: Tom Ellison of Bluefield, WV; very special sister in love: Pauline Vandyke of Rocky Gap, VA; several nieces and nephews and extended family and friends as well.

A special "thank-you" to the staff of The Havens of Princeton, WV, who treated her as family, while trying to help her with transitioning back to home after her fall and broken shoulder.

Please join us for a graveside service Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. at Monte Vista Park Cemetery located in the community of Greenvalley between Bluefield and Princeton.  Pastor Ira Buchanan will be officiating the service.