Ellen Claudette Smith

Ellen Claudette Hall Smith, age 67, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Born on February 13, Ellen was the daughter of Clayton and Ora Hall. She married the love of her life, Ricky Smith, on June 6, 1984, and together they made their home and built their life in Hendersonville, Tennessee. 

Ellen was a woman of faith who had a gift for making everyone she met feel like a friend. Her kindness, warmth, and generous spirit touched countless lives. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and "Mia" to her great-nieces and great-nephews. 

Ellen is survived by her husband, Ricky Smith; her sons, Jackson Tyler Smith (Jessie) and Ricky Spencer Smith; and her sisters, Gayla Redfern and Twila Harris. 

Ellen found great joy in the outdoors, especially tending to her beautiful flowers. She was always happy to share her love of gardening, often giving away flower clippings and seeds to anyone who wanted to grow something beautiful of their own. In many ways, the beauty she cultivated in her garden reflected the beauty she brought into the lives of those around her. 

She was also known for her love of cooking and the wonderful meals she prepared for family and friends. Time spent around Ellen and her family was often filled with good food, laughter, and memories. 

And if there was a karaoke stage nearby, Ellen was ready to take it. Music was a special part of her life, with Motown holding a special place in her heart and Elvis always in the running as another favorite. 

Ellen was the quintessential boy-mom. In the younger years of her sons' lives, she and Ricky could often be found at the ballpark, cheering on the team summer after summer. As the boys grew older, the ballpark was replaced by football, with Ellen opening her home to family and friends to gather, watch the games, and enjoy one another's company. 

Ellen was also incredibly artistic and creative. She loved making things with her hands and creating special gifts for others. Her creativity was another expression of the generosity that came so naturally to her—she found joy in making something beautiful and giving it away. 

Ellen will be remembered for her faith, her laughter, her beautiful flowers, her delicious cooking, her love of music, and most of all, the love she gave so freely to her family and friends. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of kindness that will continue through the many people whose lives she touched. 

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.