PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — Routh Willard Smith Crowell, 95, of Natchez, died Thursday, March 19, 2009.
Mrs. Crowell donated her body to the University of Arizona College of Medicine to educate the healthcare workers of the future.
Routh was born July 13, 1913, at Oakley Grove Plantation, in Natchez, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Routh Smith.
Routh grew up at Saragossa Plantation where she was educated in a one room schoolhouse. Later she transferred to Natchez High School where she finished her formal education. After graduation, Routh moved to Dallas to begin a life in the world of merchandising at Sanger Brother’s Department Store. It was in Dallas, that she met and married her soul mate, Porter Crowell. They celebrated married life for 41 years.
Routh returned to Natchez in 1996 and was a member of many clubs and social organizations and especially enjoyed gardening. She also cherished her membership with the First Presbyterian Church of Natchez.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, Walton Smith and Austin Smith; and two sisters, Mamie Hammett and Georgia Smith.
Survivors include one sister, Katherine Wickliffe of Natchez; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Crowell requested that all memorials be sent to Hospice of Arizona-Butterfly Unit, 7100 E. Mescal St., Scottsdale, AZ 85254 or First Presbyterian Church in Natchez.