Ruby Underwood Shields

1921 - 2014

Ruby Underwood Shields, loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister, passed away Friday, Nov. 21, 2014. Service: Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Holy Family Catholic Church. Interment: Greenwood. Visitation: 4 to 6 p.m. Monday at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home. Pallbearers: Her six grandchildren. Memorials: Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, 909 W. Shaw, 76110; Holy Family Catholic Church, Capitol Campaign, 6150 Pershing, 76107; Tarrant County United Way, P.O. Box 4448, 76164; or to a charity of choice. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, T.J. and Blanche Underwood, and by four of her six siblings, Mrs. Art (Mildred) Morgan, Mrs. Bob (Nancy) Wright, Jack Underwood and Robert Underwood. Ruby was born in Gainesville on Dec. 1, 1921, but the family moved to Ardmore, Okla., when she was only a few months old. She attended elementary and high school there, and was the salutatorian of her graduating class. She then attended Oklahoma University as did all of her siblings. In 1942 while working as a legal secretary, Ruby had a blind date with Earle, who was stationed at Fort Sill, Okla. They were married in May of 1943 and have enjoyed 71 wonderful happy years together. When someone would ask Ruby to what she attributed the success of their long, happy marriage, she would answer with that sweet smile, "Because we live in a big house." Ruby loved to travel and enjoyed many trips to various countries either with her Fort Worth friends or her sister, Mildred. When Earle could travel with her, he always complained that he was only allowed to visit cathedrals, museums and palaces. When her children were grown, Ruby turned her attention to the art world and became a docent at the Kimbell Art Museum, serving for more than 30 years. She spent countless hours of study for each exhibition so that she was always completely knowledgeable when she gave tours. With her excellent voice and ability to engage museum patrons, she was considered one of the best. Ruby was a devout Catholic and a charter member of Mater Admirabilis, a group of Catholic women interested in improving their faith. She loved flowers and when the weather permitted, the patio was ablaze with color. She was a highly knowledgeable bridge player and helped many friends learn the game. She especially enjoyed her Monday afternoon group composed of three tables of her best friends, all first-class players. She also enjoyed her Wednesday foursome lunch and bridge and two couples groups. In addition to being fluent in Spanish, Ruby really enjoyed outdoor sports, especially tennis, and played doubles with her friends for many years. She later switched to golf and learned to flyfish. Ruby spent many wonderful summer vacations with best friends fishing the trout streams of Wyoming, Montana and Colorado. The family wishes to express appreciation to Roger Eppstein, M.D., Ruby's primary care physician, for his excellent care for many years; to the doctors, nurses and staff of Harris Methodist Downtown; to the nurses and staff of Community Hospice for their fine care during Ruby's last days; and especially to the doctors, physician assistant, nurses and staff of the Skilled Nursing Unit of the Stayton for their competent loving care for the last several months. Survivors: Her husband, Earle A. Shields Jr.; children, Susan T. Shields of Fort Worth, Earle Andrew Shields III and wife, Katherine, of Fredericksburg, Thomas L. Shields and wife, Laura, of Fort Worth, Mark S. Shields and wife, Amy, of Austin; grandchildren, Mark Stephen Shields III, Erin L. Shields, Robert A. Shields, Allison N. Shields, Sarah E. Shields and Katherine Hadley Shields; sisters, Ms. Lois Biddick and Mrs. Bruce (Rosemary) Kennedy; sisters-in-law, Ms. Charlsie Underwood and Ms. Virginia Underwood; brother-in-law, Arthur Morgan; and many extended family members.