Alma “Ruth” Marie Dobson (Nee Smith), 71, of Stellarton, formerly of St. Paul’s, Pictou County passed away peacefully in the Aberdeen Hospital, on Wednesday, December 26th, 2007, after a brief illness. Born August 19th, 1936, in McClure’s Mills, Colchester Co., NS, Ruth was the daughter of the late John Westley and Margaret Inez (Nee MacEwan) Smith. Prior to her retirement, Ruth was employed for 20 years with Summer Street Industries, working with the Mentally Challenged. Since her retirement, Ruth was a member of the Stellarton Legion Branch #28 Ladies Auxiliary, Legion Choir Branch #34, New Glasgow, Crystal Fountain Rebekah Lodge #11, Stellarites Seniors Club, Glen Haven Manor Auxiliary and volunteered at Stellarton Blood Donor Clinics. Ruth enjoyed travelling, reading, volunteering and organizations. Surviving are children: Ben (Arlene), New Glasgow, Penny, Brookfield, Melvin (Cynthia), Glencoe, Tim, Stellarton, Janet (Gordie) Brown, Mount William; seven grandchildren: David Dobson, Jennifer (Alain) Dobson-Melanson, Matthew, Amanda and Candace Brown, Blair and Nicole Dobson. Ruth was predeceased by her husband, John Dexter Dobson, (1981), grandson, John Gordon Brown in infancy, brothers, Hugh Anthony Smith (1991) and George Laurie Smith killed in action during the Second World War. The family will receive visitors from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday in the H. C. MacQuarrie Funeral Home, Stellarton. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday in First Presbyterian Church, Stellarton, with Rev. Charles MacPherson officiating. Burial will be in the Watson Cemetery, Truro at a later date. Donations in memory of Ruth may be made to the Palliative Care Society.