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Ruby Nell Vause Smith Andersen

Ruby Nell Vause Smith Andersen obituary, Tallahasse, FL

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Ruby Andersen Obituary

Ruby Nell Vause Smith Andersen

Ruby Nell Vause Smith Andersen passed away at age 90 at the Big Bend Hospice House in Tallahassee, FL on Saturday, April 18, 2015. Mrs. Andersen was born on June 30, 1924 in the Arran Community in Crawfordville, FL to W.I. "Butch" and Nellie C. Vause. She is preceded in death by her four brothers, five sisters and one son: Parker Vause, Thomas Vause, Paul Vause, Cajah Vause, Lockie Wright, Ethelle Moore, Gwen Rabitaille, Frances Thompson and Mary Wooten. She is survived by one sister, Gladys Strickland, one sister-in-law, Pearl Vause and her children, Richard Smith (Barbara Reddick) of Greenville, NC; Ruth Chapman (James Chapman) of Crawfordville, FL and daughter-in-law, Dianne Smith of Montgomery, AL; and blessed with 10 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild.

She was a stay-at-home mother for most of her life until she went to work at Florida Commerce Federal Credit Union in 1970. She served in Collections and moved up to Loan Officer; a position which she held until her retirement in 1993. Her reputation preceded her as a caring person who would "go the extra mile" to help someone out, but, stern to the point of making sure they promised to get their credit straight and keep it that way. This was a well known fact to her family on many occasions when individuals would come up to thank her for helping them out when no one else would. She was an outstanding example of how one should live their life: doing things for others that you'd like done for you.

The family will greet friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at Culley's Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, FL. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Woodville First Baptist Church, 9500 Woodville Highway. Burial will be following at the Woodville Cemetery also known as the White Church Cemetery.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Apr. 21, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruby Andersen

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Logan Carter

July 16, 2015

My Granny was a very special person to me. I have known her from the time I was first born and this lady was an huge part of my life. No matter what was going on this lady was always there for me and my sister. It did not matter what she was going through, she would always be right there. This one time my sister and I were waiting in the driveway for Granny and Aunt Gladys to get back home, and next thing you know you see a car zoom right by us! We realized it was our granny and Aunt Gladys that just drove by! That was a very funny moment we had.
I remember growing up in Woodville Baptist church because my granny used to take me and my sister there. I remember how much I loved going to Vacation Bible School with my sister Peyton.
During the time that my grandmother first got diagnosed with Alzheimer's it was very heartbreaking. But no matter what, me and my family stood right by her side throughout the whole process. I am very lucky I got the chance to get to know her and have a wonderful full of life Christian woman in my life. And I am very grateful that I got the chance to know her.

Peyton Carter

July 16, 2015

It has been with great difficulty not to have my granny with us anymore in the natural world but she'll always be with us in spirit. I'm grateful to be able to say that I've had seventeen years worth of memories with this amazing woman. I can remember when I was younger, every Easter the adults would hide the eggs and the children would find them, but my granny would always sneak eggs into my basket so that I could win because I was the baby in the group and she'd do anything to make sure we'd be happy. I remember having surgery and the day I was released to go home, my granny took me in with open arms. Every night I'd see her walking down the hallway with her little flashlight to check up on and she'd always ask me if I needed another blanket. I'd reply "No Granny. I'm fine thank you." She's always been there for me and anyone else that needed her. I've always been proud and appreciative to be raised around a woman who was strong, independent, and accepted everyone and anyone. My granny was notorious for her food. Everyone that comes across her knows that every time you'd go to her house, she'd make sure that your fed, even if you've already ate, you couldn't turn her down on the offer. One of my favorite memories though, was being able to be with my granny and stick by her side like she did for us when she became sick. I'm grateful that I had the chance to take care of her and be with her through the hard times. Thank you granny for teaching me your ways, thank for always being there for me, and thank you for teaching me how to make your famous grilled cheese sandwiches. I love and miss you so much. You will not be forgotten.

William Smith

July 12, 2015

Wow, I just saw a group picture of our family standing on the front steps at my grandmother's house. This was the summer of 1994 ... days after I almost killed myself in a four wheeler and speed related incident at my Aunt Becky Trawick's place. My hat was my baseball team hat; we were the Hustlers. The woman behind me with her hands on my shoulders was my grandmother. Her legacy motivates me to be a better person. She was always truly thankful for what she had and never too concerned with what she didn't.

Chip Tully

July 10, 2015

Best memories of Granny were being at her house during the holidays,she always made sure there was plenty of food.It was always funny when she'd cuss cause we were like OMG Granny said a cuss word lol.I can also say she never judge me in anything I did and always gave me the best advice.Still think it's funny the time she said...you forgot to hide your cigarettes lol.It was really sad to go back to her house with mom and Granny not be there...41yrs I went to that house and now Little Granny is no longer there.But with all that was going down I know Granny is no longer suffering and thankfully she had family that stood with her the entire time!!!LOVE YOU GRANNY...R.I.P

Laura Green (Tully)

July 9, 2015

She was my Granny, who loved me as much as she did the next person! I was the youngest in my family with no great grandkids for my Granny to love on. I had always prayed that Granny would live long enough to meet my future children.

I had my first and only baby girl in Oct 2010, in the state of Georgia, with health issues. I was unsure if Granny would be able to make a trip due to her health slowly declining. But you better believe that she made the trip, and got to meet Laila Cha' Nell (yes, after my Granny) in the NICU. Granny was unable to stand or hold my baby, but she made me wheel her as close as possible so she could feel that full head of hair. All Granny kept saying was how tiny she was and that she was the most precious baby. It touched my heart that Granny made it up there to meet her. It took over 6 months before we could make a trip down to Florida, which ended up being one of many visits. Of course Granny always opened up her house to my family when we visited.

She would always offer to make us breakfast, but I told her I wanted to make her breakfast (knowing she was unable to). She was fine with that as long as we had coffee together while I cooked. Granny was always wanting to hold the baby even though she tired easily and just loved to play and rub in her hair. She was always willing to help either cook or with the baby.

We spent Christmas of 2012 with Granny, and it was just wonderful! Laila was walking by then and when when we woke up, Granny would still be sleeping in. So once Granny would wake up, Laila would run to Granny's chair and pat it until Granny made her way to it. Granny would get so tickled at Laila and was ready for what was about to take place. I would sit Laila on Granny's lap and they would just snuggle while I made us breakfast. That was our morning routine everyday! They would nap together on Granny's chair too! It was a match made in heaven, that Laila was at an age that was cohesive to what Granny was able to handle.

When the doctor had said Granny didn't have much more time (around the end of 2013), I made my Mama try to keep her healthy long enough until our scheduled visit, from Washington to Florida, in March 2014. Granny was tough and surpassed what the doctor had said.

Granny really perked up when we came to visit and just fell in love with her all over again! She couldn't ever get enough of Laila's hugs and kisses, which worked out perfect, because that was what Laila was loving to do during that time. Still loving to snuggle and kiss on her after our time away.

That was the last time we saw Granny, but a time I wouldn't have missed for the world! I'm thankful that Granny got to meet, love, and cherish Laila, just as Laila was allowed. I don't think Laila will remember her times with Granny, but it doesn't matter. I will remind her of the times with her Granny by telling stories and showing pictures. I'm just so thankful that we were able to offer Granny so much joy and happiness at our last visit.

Our last trip home to Fl was for Granny's home going. Laila came with me. At her wake I took Laila to see her Granny one last time. Immediately, Laila says, "Granny", with no response of course. Then Laila put her hand cupped by her mouth and called out for her again. I began to cry from sadness and joy that she still recognized her Granny. I told her that Granny went "sleepy baby" (our term for going to sleep) and she said "aawww" while placing her palm against her face (her way of showing endearment). I know that one day again, they will get to snuggle and kiss again.
You will be forever missed and greatly loved Granny!

Kelsie Tully

July 8, 2015

Growing up I spent most of my summer at Granny's house. The memories made are irreplaceable. My family moved around a lot, but almost every summer I would come down and stay with my Florida family. I would stay at my Nana's house (Ruth Chapman), and during the week she would drop me off at Granny's house. I would get there before the sun was even up, but Granny would have the day bed pulled out and ready for me to crawl into. I would sleep for a couple more hours and wake up at just about the time The Price is Right would come on. That was my alarm clock. I would get out of bed and go sit in Granny's lap until I had fully woken up. Then she'd make me some breakfast. We would sit at watch T.V. most of the morning. Family Feud and then the news. At about that time, she was getting ready for lunch. She made the best tomato gravy with rice and nice crispy bacon. That was one of my favorites. Nana would join us for lunch, and then it was soaps time. Granny was all about the CBS soaps. Young and Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, As the World Turns, and Guiding Light. I knew all of the whose kissing who, and who died and came back to life. There was always juicy drama going on in those shows. Sometimes we'd go over to Aunt Gladys' house and watch the soaps with her. She would always let me have coffee and tea cakes. I remember one time Alicia Keys sang the song for one of the commercials of the soaps and I had to fill in Nana all about it when she picked me up. After the soaps we would do our shopping. In Woodville there were only two options: DG and the IGA. One time granny bought me this black skirt that said "paws off" on the side of it with two red paw prints. No one could believe Granny had gotten it for me of all people. My other favorite purchase from the dollar store were the famous fun size candy bars. Mostly snickers, 100 grand, and milky way, her fridge stayed stocked for all her visitors. In the afternoon we'd play in the yard, she would always set up the sprinkler for me. Or we would go for a walk down the road to see the horses. We would rock on the swing on the porch. Another thing I loved was sitting on the floor in the living room and putting together puzzles. One day I was sitting in her lap (she gave the best back scratches) and we were sipping on our cokes, and I looked at her told her my drink was popping. She looked at me like I was crazy so I held the can up for her to listen too. Then she heard it and said "Well look at that, Shug." She always had plenty of snacks for me. From Vienna sausages with saltines, to sliced tomato with salt and pepper. She always had something. My favorite thing was cooking with her. Of all the recipes she would make, it was her deviled eggs that I seemed to master the most. One thing she told was its not by real measurements. Everything was to taste. I will cherish those moments with my Granny forever. She taught me most importantly how to be a strong woman. She did it all. Mow the grass, hang clothes on the line, there was so much we did together and I am forever thankful I have all those memories with her. I could ramble on for days about all of our adventures, but his sums up the best summer days of my childhood. She was an amazing woman, and I will miss her compliments every time I saw her. "You sure do look pretty". Of course I do, because I look so much like you Granny. I love you.

Kerri Owens

July 8, 2015

I will always love and remember you, Granny. I will always remember going to your house and always being offered up something to eat. You would ask if we wanted to have a grilled cheese and when we would say no, would ask if we were sure. We would eat with you anyways. I will miss your grilled cheese sandwiches and the talks we had. I will also miss your potato salad. No one makes it like you did.

My family

Melissa Tully

July 7, 2015

I will always remember my granny always and forever. Granny would always take credit for teaching my son Addison on how to play ball. I miss living 5 minutes away from her. When I could not find anyone to watch Peyton when she was a baby, Granny helped me out. She would push Addison in the wheelbarrow whenever she had him. Granny made it to all Logan's, Peyton's and Addison's birthday, I never wanted her to miss them. I took her to Addison's fall festival . When it was Easter, we would hide the eggs and Granny would drop a couple in the kids Easter basket. Granny attended Logan's brownie scouts. I am so glad she is my Granny always and forever. I will miss you and love you.

Ruth Chapman

July 6, 2015

Here are a few more little stories about Mom:

**She loved to cook and was always inviting me down for lunch. So, I would swing by and pick up Melissa and we'd haul butt down to Mom's for lunch. Of course, she would have everything ready for us; drinks, foods and great conversations!

**My last trip to Orlando for a statewide conference with my job at DOT fell during the week before school started. Seeing as this would be the last time I would be taking a trip with my job, I decided to take the girls, Logan, Peyton and Alexis, with me. But, I needed someone to watch them while I was in meetings. I couldn't find anyone who could take off and go with us. So, I asked Mom if she would be game to accompany us to Orlando and watch them for me; she said sure.

We packed up, drove down and moved up to our hotel room. Each morning Mom would come downstairs with the girls to get breakfast. Everyone in our meeting could hear the kids calling out to her: Come on Granny, let's get to the buffet! Then, she'd tell them Make sure you eat a lot and bring extra food back for later. She would then take them either to the Exercise Room, swimming pool or back upstairs where they'd entertain her with dress up.

The first night we all went to Universal Studios for dinner; but, the line was SO long that we ended up going with some of my friends to Outback Steakhouse. Since we were out late, I took the girls to lunch the next day so that Mom could take a nap. That evening I treated them to pizza and a movie in the hotel room and went out with my friends.

The next day Mom took the girls to swim and got on to them for saying OMG so much. She shamed them and told them it wasn't right to take the Lord's name in vain and suggested that they say gosh.
The last day, the girls wrote Thank You letters to the hotel staff for letting us stay there for free!! They really got a kick out of my little country girls! If it hadn't been for Mom coming with us, this trip wouldn't have ever happened and these memories wouldn't exist.

**Mom was always eager to help in any way that she can even up into her 80's. She babysat all of Melissa's kids at one time or another. I can remember calling to check on her (age 81) when she was watching Addison and she was a little out of breath. So, I asked her what she was doing pushing Addison around the yard in her wheelbarrow because he wanted her to!

**She was always working in her yard and she'd start in the early morning to make sure it was cool enough. Then, as the heat came on, she'd go in to shower and go right back out to finish. She mowed her yard with a push mower that was a challenge to me; but, she handled it like it was nothing! After threatening to concrete her yard and paint it green, she bought a riding lawn mower. She would do her yard herself until her mid 80's. She accidentally backed the riding lawn mower into her fence and broke a board. She made me swear not to tell anyone and I didn't. I bought a board, the paint to fix it and a neighbor/family friend, Jerry Watson, fixed it for us; no one was the wiser for it!

**When Mom was a teenager, she had long hair and it kind of got in the way when she had to milk the cows. There was one in particular that would swish its tail and get sandspurs in her hair. It made her SO mad that she took a knife and skinned the tail. Well, that only made it worse as now the bony tail was what struck her and granddaddy wasn't any too happy about what she'd done!

**Mom drove herself to Montgomery, Alabama to visit her oldest son, Rex, and his family on several occasions after she was in her 50's. She never worried about going alone as she always carried her gun! If nothing else, this little lady was very independent and wasn't afraid to set out on a road trip alone!

Torre Smith

June 15, 2015

Eulogy for Ruby Nell Andersen delivered on 4/23/15:

Wow Here we are to talk about and honor someone who, if you ever came across her, you found love, caring for everyone and showing grace. Her grace was instilled in her children: my Father, my Uncle and my Aunt. Through her, this was also passed on to her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchild.

1 Corinthians 13:13: And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

LOVE She loved her children so much that she sacrificed day in and day out, for many years alone, to provide for them. She loved her family more than anything even herself!

1 Corinthians 10:24 (New International Version): No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

SELFLESS She would open her door to her family with help and advice. She knew when to speak tough love and could do it in a kind and loving way that it always sunk in. She also knew when to just be silent in her own way and let you open up when you were ready. She always knew what to say and how to say it.

1 Chronicles 16:11: Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

STRENGTH She endured many hardships in her lifetime; but, never burdened anyone with them. She always smiled and just loved everyone around her. She was a rock that we could all anchor to someone we always knew if we needed to be aimed in the right direction, she could point the way. She was also someone that no matter what, you knew where you stood, but, always out of love.

Proverbs 22:6: Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

The bible speaks of the way a parent should raise a child. Granny didn't just raise her children this way; she made sure it was instilled in her grandchildren. Don't get me wrong, we all have been our wayward ways and thank God for his grace.

As a child growing up, I was the happiest at my Granny's. I remember the farm where I caught my first fish in the pond across the street. Granny had to get the camera and I think she was more excited than I was!

She just laughed and laughed the day that I tried to ride a cow. And was so sad the day she called to let me know that the old grey had passed away. I blamed myself for pushing her so hard and she comforted me by telling me that that old horse was never happier than when we went on that last ride.

On our visits we walked, talked and lay around listening to music even though she didn't want to. The best was sitting on the porch in the swing, holding her hand and just taking in the setting sun with lots of family around. Also, her Pepsi was always better, even if she had fixed one for you, hers tasted better!

As we got older and would come to visit, I just wanted to be dropped off at Granny's on the way in and picked up on the way out. I was never more at home than when I was with her. She had a way of making you feel loved like no other always warmhearted! Then, later in life, no matter what I was into, I could pick up the phone and call my granny. Still she showed nothing but love, no matter what. She never let me see the disappointment she always encouraged. Now, that I am where I am now, I would say she was a woman of God.

2 Peter 1:5-8: 5 For this very reason make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I can say that Granny made every effort to do all of these things in her precious way.

One thing I know she hoped for everyone is that we be what we are called to be and Make Every Effort to be the best we can Showing everyone Love and Grace A Godly woman Indeed!!

I will leave you with this today. In the midst of great sorrow, we see his light breaking through. Rejoice from her life. Rejoice knowing in her passing was the ultimate peace. She is now walking with the Father in heaven and her oldest son, my Father. I thank God for the blessing of the greatest grandmother I could have ever had.

Laura Green (Tully)

May 25, 2015

I miss my Granny dearly and everyday things I come across remind me of her. I'll never look at a grilled cheese sandwich without mentally comparing it to the perfection of my Granny's cooking. One thing about Granny, she will feed you until you are busting at the seams, if you can't convince her that you can't eat anymore! She was so patient, that it showed in her cooking. No grilled cheese was ever smashed flat trying to get it to cook evenly or hurry the process. The perfect amount of butter on the bread so it wasn't too greasy; reminds me of how she knew exactly what to say to you to get her point across, without being overbearing. The smell of them cooking would have your taste buds ready to eat, just as smelling her perfume (Azure) would make you excited to giving my Granny a loving squeeze just to inhale her scent. My Granny is a special lady that will be held in my heart and my memories forever, just as a grilled cheese sandwich (or two) will always be a classic treat. Love you Granny XOXO

Ruth Chapman

May 24, 2015

Here is a list of little anecdotes about Mom that I have told to family and friends for years; so, I'm going to share them again:

** When I was around 6-7 years old, Mom would drive Rick's '56 Green & White Ford to run errands and she'd take me with her. On the way home, she would turn down our road, stop, make sure I was holding on tight and then "gas on it"! Just before we'd reach the spot where Rick parked his car which had gravel, she'd hit the brakes and slide into the spot! It was always so much fun.

** There was a huge live oak tree in front of our house in the woods across the street where all the kids had a bag swing (croker sack/burlap bag filled with pine straw and hung from a limb with a rope). We also had smaller tree that we climbed up and could hop onto the bag from it. If someone wanted to jump on with you, it was called "hoboing". Well, one day Mom walked over, climbed up the smaller tree, told whoever was in the live oak to throw her the bag, she hopped on it and took a swing! All the kids stood in awe and of course, they all thought we had the coolest Mom ... and we did!

** She was also a fix-it-all. Back in the 60's we only got 3 TV channels: ABC, CBS and NBC (NBC was always the hardest signal to get). We had an old antenna on top of the house. She'd climb up on the roof and manually turn the antenna around until we got a good signal. If the TV "went on the fritz", Mom was quick with the screwdriver, too. She never was afraid of getting shocked either!

** She loved all kinds of music: Big band era, Glen Campbell and even Michael Jackson. Whenever I drove her car, she always encouraged me to listen to whatever I liked.

** She instilled the importance of being independent. Here is an example: On the way to Summerville, GA, with Melissa & Laura, my car broke down in Cordele, GA. I knew what was wrong and how to fix it. So, I sat the girls down on the sidewalk with sodas and snacks next to the gas station while I worked. I had busted knuckles, broken fingernails and grease up to my elbows, but, I kept working on it. There was a huge storm brewing and I knew I couldn't finish everything in time. So, I made arrangements to leave the car at the gas station until I could return for it. A friend drove down to pick us up and take us up to their home. After a few days, we made arrangements to ride a bus back home. The car sat for a few weeks because I couldn't get anyone to take me up there. So, I talked with Mom about it and she asked me if I was sure that I could get the car running to drive it home. I assured her that I could and she said ok. So, we took a road trip and Mom watched the girls while I finished putting the car back together. Once that was done, Mom loaded the girls in her car, I jumped in mine and away we went back to Woodville!

** Once she was telling us about this new car the preacher was talking about ... a suv (sounded like love). We couldn't figure out what a suv was ... and then it hit us ... she was talking about an SUV!!

** She had a love and knowledge of college football that would rival most people. She'd tell little white lies to her sisters to get out of shopping when there was a big game was scheduled. She'd call me and ask me to back her up on her stories and then give me a rundown of what she was planning to watch that day!

Hollyjane Aldridge

April 24, 2015

Miss Ruby Nell has been blessed among all woman to have a loving and beautiful family full of love and open hearts to God. She showed the way to the Lord Jesus Christ to everyone. Jesus was her Light and way every single day. I thank Him for your life that shone so brightly daily to all. When I met you and felt the love from you the minute we met. My life will never be the same for having known you. What a joy to know you are now with the King of Kings walking and talking with our Saviour.

Felecia Abdullah

April 24, 2015

Miss Ruby was a very gracious lady. She was very dedicated to her family. The times I spent with her and Ruth having lunch were very enjoyable. She will be missed.

Laura Green

April 23, 2015

My Granny was an amazing woman, with such a big heart! I can only hope to be half the lady she was! She played a major part in my life that I will be forever thankful for. She always made us feel loved in different ways, and I hope that she was made to feel the same. I will never look at a grilled cheese sandwich (amongst other things) without it making me think of her! May she rest in peace with her family and friends in Heaven. Loving You Always

Steve Smith

April 22, 2015

Ruby Nell was my Granny and I am happy she is at peace and joined by her son, Rex, and others that have gone before her. She will be missed terribly by all that knew her, but remembered greatly for her love and kindness. There are so many things I could say about her, but I think the most important thing is that she loved me unconditionally. I know she didn't agree with every choice and decision I made (because she would say so), but she always loved me, accepted me, and believed in me. There were times I didn't have faith in myself, but her love and faith in me never waivered. I thank and remember her for the love and support she always gave me and I hope that the people in my life receive from me that same kind of love and support.

Patty Harris

April 22, 2015

Aunt Ruby has always held a special place in my heart. She was a good friend to my family and I'll never forget her. Prayers to the family and her friends. She is defiantly another Angel gone home.

April 22, 2015

So sad to hear of "Aunt Ruby Nell's" passing. My prayers go out to the family. She was a very special lady and I feel blessed to have known her for so many years.

Terry (Perryman) Greene

Rebecca McManus

April 22, 2015

Miss Ruby was one of the reasons my husband and I got together. We met at Florida Commerce Credit Union she played a bit of a match maker and got us together. We have been together 25 years now. She will always have a special place in mine and Scott's life. May you rest in peace sweet lady! We love you!

Sheila Rabitaille-Smith

April 21, 2015

My heart is broken, always smiling.... I know you are with mother and looking down and smiling. You are forever missed.

Barbra Faircloth

April 21, 2015

One of the sweetest women that I knew. Glad to have know her through the church when I first moved to Woodville as a child.

Vernell/Parker Strumski

April 21, 2015

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Lavelle Dorriety

April 21, 2015

Godspeed Ruby Nell. You were such a blessing to us at the Credit Union. It was always so much fun to work along side you back in the day a Blairstone and Old St Augustine Road. You made so many Members happy over the years and you are a legend at the Credit Union for those of us who remain.

Angie Mathis

April 21, 2015

I attended church with her a few years back and she was one sweet lady!!

Lisa (Ladd) Mobley

April 21, 2015

I too had the pleasure of calling her Aunt Ruby Nell, although it's been years she was truly loved by my family and I.
My sincere love and sympathy to all her loved ones .... Lisa

Larry Strong

April 21, 2015

Ruby was always so helpful at the credit union. She made me many loans. Glad I knew her.

Belva Delaney Gurr

April 21, 2015

G'ma Gwen Rabitaille and Uncle Frank were my two sons' godparents and over the 45+ years her family became our family!!! Many times the boys joined Gwen at Aunt Ruby Nell's for meals, fun and and family time!!! She'll be sadly missed

April 20, 2015

I had the pleasure of calling her Aunt Ruby Nell and what a special lady she was. She was much like another mother to me during my childhood years and I cherish those memories. I am sure my mother was wanting on her when she entered the gates of Heaven. What a time she, Aunt Frances and all the other sisters are having! God truly gained another Angel! Love to all of the family! Vonnie

Cindy Vause

April 20, 2015

Aunt RubyNell never failed to make me smile and laugh and feel loved. Her presence will be sorely missed.

Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results

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Memorial Events
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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home & Memorial Park - Tallahassee

700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312

How to support Ruby's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

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Attending a Funeral: What to Know

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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

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Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

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The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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Ways to honor Ruby Andersen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

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