Mary Ruth Graybill

1933 - 2025

Mary Ruth Graybill, cherished as Ruthie, was born in Madison, Fla., on July 15, 1933, and passed away on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, surrounded by all her loved ones. She graduated from Florida State University with a degree in education and served as president of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, leading her chapter to national recognition.
She later moved to Gainesville with her former husband, Dr. Richard Cunningham, and became a devoted part of the community. Ruthie played a key role in the early development of North Florida Regional Hospital, proudly participating in the ribbon-cutting more than 50 years ago.
A faithful member of First Presbyterian Church since 1964, Ruthie taught LOGOS and joyfully guided children in their faith.
She devoted more than 40 years to teaching in local schools and was honored as Teacher of the Year at Wiles Elementary, remembered for her creativity, kindness and belief in every child's potential. Over the years, she also volunteered at the ZTA house at the University of Florida, both during her teaching career and retirement. She remained active in education through Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary for women educators.
In 1993, she married Lt. Colonel Harold T. "Tex" Graybill, a proud World War II veteran, and she deeply honored his service and military legacy.
Her happiest summers were spent at the beach with her family, and she also loved traveling, gardening and cooking for friends and loved ones, especially during football season, when she opened her home to many and cheered on her beloved Florida Gators. She found joy in a good hand of bridge and a good book, often passing along her favorite reads to family and friends.
Ruthie's life reflected service and community. She was active in the Junior League, Gainesville Women's Club, Garden Club and American Cancer Society, always giving her time and energy to causes close to her heart.
Her greatest joy was her family, whom she loved deeply and celebrated often. Holidays, especially Christmas, were treasured times for Ruthie. She delighted in decorating, cooking and creating traditions that filled her home with laughter, love and memories her children and grandchildren will always cherish.
Ruthie was a woman of strength, grace and generosity. Guided by faith, she lived with gratitude and compassion, always seeing the best in others. She will forever be cherished by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold T. "Tex" Graybill; her parents, Angus and Marie Eva Armstrong; and her beloved daughter, Cynthia Marie Kirts.
She is survived by her daughters: Lisa Ann Wall (William), Eleanor Pojer (Raúl) and Debbie Blair (Johnny); her granddaughters: Michelle Pojer, Meghan Kirts and Nicole Posada (Rodrigo); great-granddaughters, Sophia and Isabella; and her beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, in Gainesville, Fla., on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, gifts to First Presbyterian Church in Ruthie's honor would be especially meaningful.