Ruby Nell Wortman

1927 - 2025

Ruby Nell (Long) Wortman of Ponder, Texas passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025 at the age of 97 at Good Samaritan Denton Village. She was born one of seven children to Earnest Edgar and Ina Mae (Holt) Long on June 30, 1927 in Chico, Texas. She married Raymond Leon Wortman on September 8, 1945 and they had three sons, Donald, Larry and Marty.

Ruby Nell went to work in the Ponder and Krum school lunchrooms for many years, becoming the favorite lunch lady of many a child. Often offering extra helpings to make sure their bellies were full. She believed everyone needed a home-cooked meal. Once retired, she enjoyed meeting and doing activities with the Church ladies group, known as. "The Ladybugs". She also enjoyed her flower garden and watching the many birds they brought to her yard. Ruby loved sitting in her chair in the shade outside, watching her grandchildren run and play often following close behind with a camcorder.

She was proud of her family and the home she made for them. Although she may not have had a lot growing up, she would say she was rich with love.

Ruby and Raymond were married for 66 years at the time of his death on February 8, 2012.

Whenever someone was ill or recovering from surgery, Ruby Nell was the first to offer to come lend a hand. Helping take care of many loved ones over the years. She had a loving, generous heart that will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest Edgar and Ina Mae (Holt) Long; her husband, Raymond Leon Wortman; son, Marty Kim Wortman; granddaughter, Lorie Densie Kelly and husband Clint; great grandson, Jerry Runnels; brothers, Olan James Long, Milford Lee Long, Loyd Edgar Long, Travis Lawrence Long, Doyle Wayne Long; sister, Evelyn Faye (Long) Stack.

She is survived by her children, Donald Wortman and wife Mindie, and Larry Wortman and wife Abril; grandchildren, Natalie Eccher and husband Steven, Delilah Wortman and husband to be Clint Jensen, Jason Wortman and wife Christy Meghan Wortman, Melissa and husband Fred Mastan; great grandchildren, Miranda Wortman, Abbey Roche, Ricky Wortman, Rylie Mastan, Kimber, Hunter, and Hailey Runnels, April Eccher and husband Brady Barton, Autum and Preston Frakes; great great grandchildren, Landon, Preston Jr., Cassey, and Mackinzie; sister in laws, Christine Scott and Wanda Norton; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Ponder 101 S. TX-156 Ponder, Texas 76259. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Ponder. Burial will follow at Eakins Cemetery Ponder, Texas. Pallbearers will be Charlie Williams, John Williams, Fred and Melissa Mastan, Calvin Long, Bobby Henry, Chris Henry, Johnny Stack, and Gary Scott.

We want to thank all the nurses, staff and residents for their exceptional care and love that was shown during her time there.