Ruby Craig Armstrong

Ruby Nell (Craig) Armstrong went to be with the Lord on the evening of Friday, February 6, 2026. She was 97 years old. Ruby was born in Laurens, SC on July 23, 1928. She was raised in the Watts Mill area of Laurens and joined Lucas Avenue Baptist Church as a young girl. Apart from Christ, her greatest love was a man named Bob ... who, after graduating from Ford High School, she married in November 1946. During the years that followed, she lived in several cities throughout South Carolina with her husband, while he served positions as Teacher and Principal at various schools - eventually making Columbia their permanent home. She was a wonderful Mother, Nana, Homemaker and a friend to almost everyone she encountered. Ruby was quietly graceful, unusually wise, non-judgmental, gentle and kind ... with a fun sense of witty humor and a ready smile. She was a true life-long servant of Christ, and to her family - a uniquely beautiful woman whose nature simply made those around her feel special. Ruby and Bob were devoted members of their church community, actively participating in both Sunday School and the Oasis Program at Riverland Hills Baptist Church during their Senior years - with Ruby also serving on the meal committee to those experiencing hardship.

Ruby was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert Paul (Bob) Armstrong, her precious granddaughter Haley Fair Plemmons, her parents John Benjamin and Clara (Owens) Craig; her brothers William (Bill) & Charles Craig, and her sister Dot (Craig) Sparks.

Mrs. Armstrong is survived by her four children; Robert Paul Armstrong, Jr., Colonel J. Craig Armstrong (Doris), Pamela Armstrong Plemmons, and Margaret Armstrong Colquitt; along with her grandchildren: Ashley Armstrong Sustrich, Amber Priddy-Benson, Erin Armstrong (Daniel Martin), Jordan Tonkin, Anna Armstrong Peevy (Mike), Eden Armstrong Johnson (Jim) and Brandon Plemmons; two step-grandchildren: Bailey Colquitt and Sydney Colquitt; eleven great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Ruby was laid to rest during a private family service held February 11, 2026, at Greenlawn Memorial Mausoleum Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 2:00 pm, Riverland Hills Baptist Church, Irmo, SC -- with visitation to follow.

Thank you to all who enriched Ruby's life, and that of her family - with special gratitude for the caregiving professionals who served her last years with happiness and comfort. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Riverland Hills Baptist Church, in honor of Ruby Armstrong.