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Ruby Lyons Obituary

Ruby Reed Lyons passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at the age of 81. She was a native of Beaumont, TX and longtime resident of New Orleans, LA. Ruby is preceded in death by her parents, Margaret Phelan Reed and Randolph C. Reed Sr; brothers, Randolph C. Reed Jr and Thomas S. Reed II; and sister, Anne P. Reed. She is survived by her five loving children, Thomas R. Lyons, Pia L. Laborde, Johannah L. Castleman, Joshua M. Lyons and Merrick C. Lyons; former spouse of 20 years, Alfred "Pio" Lyons; sisters, Margaret P. Reed and Mary R. Williams; grandchildren, John P. Laborde III, R. Grayson Laborde, Sage L. Laborde, Annabelle C. Castleman, Georgia C. Castleman, Thomas R. Castleman, Charles R. Lyons, Yvonne P. Lyons, Hannah N. Lyons, Elizabeth W. Lyons. Ruby was born and raised in the Catholic faith in Beaumont, TX. She moved to New Orleans to attend Loyola University as a Philosophy major and Psychology minor. She received a Master's Degree in Social Work at Tulane University. Ruby was a selfless volunteer, devoting her time at hospice and at Children's Hospital in New Orleans. She was proud to be one of the very first runners in Audubon Park. Ruby overcame a traumatic brain injury and the ensuing disabilities with incredible strength, grace, and optimism. She was a loving mother, grandmother and sister. Ruby is revered by all for her kindhearted nature. She is an inspiration to all who know and love her. Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6367 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA on Thursday, August 20, 2020 at 11am. Visitation will begin at 10am. All guests are required to wear a mask inside of the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to Passages Hospice in New Orleans. To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com

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

Published by The Times-Picayune from Aug. 17 to Aug. 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruby Lyons

Sponsored by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries.

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Stacey C.

January 4, 2022

I hope it's not too late to send condolences. Miss Ruby came to mind today and I was so sad to learn of her passing.
I worked at the shoe shop on Maple street where Ruby was a regular. We'd hear her coming "tap dancing" down the side walk. She was such a determined person. As time went on, her walk became quieter and we'd see her less frequently because she was lifting that foot and not wearing out those plates as fast.
Ruby's spirit was such an inspiration. We always enjoyed her visits and her "grab life" attitude. I moved onto other endeavers, but I will always remember Miss Ruby. It was a privilege to know her.

Clarenda

September 27, 2020

All the years that Ruby and I knew each other she was the kindest lady anyone could ever meet. Ruby put a smile on a lot of faces. Even when I was alone those who new of us in places together would ask where is Ruby and those who didn't remember her name would ask where is the lady tell her hi. Ruby until we meet again you'll always be miss and in my heart.
Rest my friend.
Cookie

Nancy Nelkin Morais

August 22, 2020

I met Ruby when we were graduate students at the Tulane School of Social Work. Though it has been years since we last met I will never for get her. What a wonderfully strong and gentle soul! She influenced so many of us with her contagious smile and laughter, her intelligence and kindness. I am thinking of her family and friends now and sending heartfelt condolences. Warmly, Nancy Morais

Marianne

August 21, 2020

I am so deeply sorry for Your Loss. Sending Abundant Prayers and Big ((HUGS)) to you All! With much Love, Marianne B Steckler

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Margaret Green

Planted Trees

The Spirited Grace Lily Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Kendra Thomas

August 19, 2020

I had the joy of getting to know Miss Ruby through the years. She was a long time patient at a clinic that I worked at. We always looked forward to seeing her and her friend Miss Cookie. In spite of everything she had been through she always laughed and was a joy. Deepest condolences to the family.

Lucy Varin

August 19, 2020

My heart goes out to all of you as you mourn the loss of your beloved Ruby. She was a very kind and beautiful lady with the warmest smile and manner. I have wonderful memories of her and all the family. She was a pioneer of sorts with her running and open-mindedness. One cherished memory I have is seeing her on the Loyola campus taking a zen course with Father Ben Wren. She was ahead of her time.
In later years, I witnessed her extraordinary courage and faith. She was a hero among us and deeply loved.
Lucy Boswell Varin

Rita Baker Wallace

August 19, 2020

So many childhood wonderful memories in the Reed home in Beaumont. Thoughts and prayers to sisters Mary and Peggy and her children at this sad time. May she Rest In Peace.

Lilli Phelan Bean

August 19, 2020

Many thoughts and prayers with much love to my cousins, Mary and Peggy, and all the children. Ruby was an inspiration to so many. Her picture really shows her liveliness and beauty and a twinkle of delight as I remember her. Tissie Bean and I share your loss. RIP, dear cousin.

Elizabeth Driver

August 19, 2020

I only had the pleasure of meeting Ruby a few times, however, I just fell in love with her. Such a sweet lady! My deepest condolences to Tom and the rest of the Family.

Betty Kennedy

August 18, 2020

Ruby was a dear friend of my brother, Bill Cahill, Jr. and I came to know her through him. Billy passed away Sept. 2, 2019. I haven't seen Ruby in a long time, but I will always remember her. I liked her the second I met her. I learned more about her from the book she wrote. She was one of the strongest, bravest and nicest people I have ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family and friends. She is surely in the arms of God and surrounded by Divine Love. Betty Cahill Kennedy

Mary Perlitz Voigtman

August 18, 2020

Ruby was a lifelong friend of my sisters. I loved to hear the stories Arvilla would tell about Ruby’s sense of humour, her faith and her extraordinary bravery! To the family she must have inspired so much, I will hold you in my prayers and hold beautiful Ruby in my heart.

Laura Herlihy

August 18, 2020

Thinking of you all Tom and Pía. Mary Lyons just got a new friend in the heavens. I didn’t know your mom well, but used to walk by her house in the neighborhood and sometimes stop by to visit with MLO. Mary Lyons told me so many good things about your mom.
Sending prayers and healing thoughts to your family.
Laura

The Long Stem Pink Rose Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

William Clark

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Memorial Events
for Ruby Lyons

Aug

20

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Holy Name of Jesus Church

6367 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA

Aug

20

Memorial Mass

11:00 a.m.

Holy Name of Jesus Church

6367 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA

Funeral services provided by:

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

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