Ruby Maggard Obituary

RICHMOND - Ruby Maggard, a dedicated Christian educator, died on Feb 4, 2010 after a long illness. She was born in Lothair, KY (Perry County) on Dec 5, 1926. Family, friends, medical staff, and Hospice professionals ministered to her in a compassionate manner. Miss Maggard became a Christian at a young age and served the Lord faithfully throughout her life. After graduating from Eastern Kentucky University and pursuing graduate studies at Cincinnati Christian University, she taught at Mountain Mission School, a home for seriously disadvantaged Appalachian youth located in Grundy, VA. While teaching in Virginia, Ruby was introduced to the Sunset Beach Christian School in Haleiwa, HI. After learning of the great need for Christ-centered education in Hawaii, she moved to the islands and served as a missionary teacher. Ruby continued her educational ministry by responding to an invitation to join the student life staff at Kentucky Christian University, Grayson, KY. While serving at Kentucky Christian University, she also helped churches in the region develop Kindergarten programs and provided leadership for many different Vacation Bible School programs. During her time in Grayson, members of her immediate family developed serious health conditions and Ruby returned to Richmond to help care for their needs. After returning home, she served as the founding teacher for the Gardenside Christian Church Kindergarten. For 32 years, Ruby challenged her Gardenside students to grow academically while teaching them about God's Word and His creation. She was also a very active member of the Big Hill Avenue Christian Church in Richmond where she provided leadership in the areas of Sunday School, Junior Church, Vacation Bible School, and visits to the elderly. For nearly 50 years, Ruby taught young people about God's love and shared with them the Good News of Jesus Christ. As a Christian educator, it is very fitting that her educational ministry continues to demonstrate the power of multiplication. Ruby helped transform the lives of thousands of students through her teaching. Now, the thousands she instructed are positively impacting the lives of tens of thousands of others on behalf of Jesus Christ. The world is a much better place today because Ruby, a true servant leader, made herself available to be used by God. Ruby, who was a member of the Richmond Community Christian Church, is survived by three siblings: Grace M. Bowles, Bruce Maggard, and Joyce M. Edwards; seven nieces, nine nephews, more than thirty great-nieces and-nephews, and more than ten great-great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by the following immediate family members: Father - Israel D. Maggard, Mother - Martha M. Maggard, Brother - Ivan "Buster" Maggard, Sister - Loyce M. Dundon, Brother - Herman Maggard, and Sister - Bessie M. Jackson. The funeral service will be conducted at 11am on Mon, Feb 8th at the Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home, 1110 Barnes Mill Road in Richmond, KY. The sermon will be delivered by Dr. Palmer Young. Burial will follow in the Richmond Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-6pm on Sun, Feb 7th at Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hospice Compassionate Care Center, 350 Isaacs Lane, Richmond, KY 40475 or the Richmond Community Christian Church, 230 Boggs Lane, Richmond, KY 40475. To express condolences, visit www.orpfh.com

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Published by Lexington Herald-Leader on Feb. 6, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruby Maggard

10 Entries

April 7, 2010

Ms Maggard was a special lady with the love of God that beamed from her face and especially her smile. What a blessing she truly was to all the children she taught (our son Eric was a student of hers) and to the many she came in contact with each day. I am sorry that I just found out today (4/7/2010) of her passing.
June and Perry Gillespie

Charles Blankenship

February 19, 2010

I was in Ms Ruby Maggard's 1949-50 class at the Mountain Mission School in Grundy, VA. Several years later while in South Korea, I wrote to her and it was forwarded to Hawaii. During the last 50 years we would correspond from time to time. She kept me informed as to the success of many Mtn. Mission students. I know for sure that she has influenced many of us who sat in her class oh so many years ago. Thank you Joyce for informing me of her passing. I will miss her.

Maria Edwards

February 11, 2010

My mom and dad, Ruth and Bill Hamilton, were friends of the Maggards in Richmond in the 1940's...then they moved to Lothair,KY and were very close friends of Herman, Bessie and Grace. I want to let Grace know that Mom passed away Jan 3, 2010. She was 87 years old. Dad passed away in 2005. I want to say hi to Imogene and thanks for letting us visit the old store in Lothair a couple of years ago.

Sally (Lipscombe) Levi

February 8, 2010

I can still hear her sweet, sweet voice and see the smile on her face. Ruby stayed in our home alot when I was growing up. My memories are forever precious and God certainly has called another angel into place!

Bev and Mel Cobb

February 6, 2010

Mel and I are rejoicing with the angels that Ruby has come Home! What a dear, precious friend she was. It is hard to find adequate words to express our love and admiration for Ruby. Ruby taught both our boys, Brian and Tim, and we worked together with Ruby and the kindergarten program at Gardenside for many years. We are better people for having known Ruby. The world is a better place because Ruby has influenced so many souls. She truly loved the Lord and gave herself to His service. We’ll meet you on the Other Side, dear sweet Ruby. Our love and deepest sympathy to Ruby’s precious family.

Linda Sawyers

February 6, 2010

Our dear Ms Maggard. What a joy you gave us for many years at Gardenside. Our children are better for having you in their young life. You gave them a great start in life (Roni Gail, Josh and Lauren) just to name our three, loved you and learned so much from you. I know where you are because you were always at the righthand of GOD, I know now you rest there. BLESS YOU Ms Maggard you have left me with many great memories! Linda Reynolds Sawyers

February 5, 2010

Sorry,to hear about Ruby. It sure brings many memories of the years at church camp and at Big Hill Ave. Church. Now she can enjoy her reward.

Love, Bob Turpin

Judy Murphy

February 5, 2010

Last night as I laid down to sleep I
wondered why I could not hear the
angels in heaven singing. I knew the
singing must be so loud and beautiful
because an angel had come home.

Until this day I sing the following
song when is see cattle standing on
a hill grazing.

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills
The wealth in every mind
He owns the rivers and the rocks and hills
The sun and stars that shine
Wonderful riches, more than tongue can tell
He is my father, so they are mine as well
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills I know that He doeth care for me.

Thank you Ruby for letting me know that
He cares for me.

Love,
Judy

Yvonne Hackworth

February 5, 2010

Ruby was truly an Angel from Heaven, sent by God to be a blessing to thousands of people. No one has had a more positive influence on my life than Ruby. I have known and loved Ruby for 50 years. She always said we were "mother and daughter in the Lord".
Ruby was my mentor, my teacher, my guide, my Christian example. Thank you, Dear Ruby, for so many wonderful life experiences, and now treasured memories: meeting every Sunday at 2:00 to teach Bible lessons for underserved children and to visit the shut-ins, Junior Church, teaching in Vacation Bible Schools all over Madison County, church camp, Christmas and Easter plays, Muddy Creek outings, picnics, parties, KCC, singing in the car, Bible Bowls, teaching with you for one year at Gardenside when Buster was sick, and so much more. Thank you for all the happy times spent in your home and for sharing your dear family with me, I love 'em all. Thank you for encouraging my art work and for teaching me how to be a good teacher. Most of all, thank you for the deep love and kindness that you always gave me.
"Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter now into the joys of the Lord".
To all of Ruby's family, I send my love and sympathy.
Much love,
Yvonne

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