Ruby Hines

Ruby was a real trooper. She had been told all her life that she couldn't do something or be somebody and she proved them all wrong. The last time I saw Ruby was just a couple of months before she died. I asked her about our Great Great Grand mother Josephine. Rudy told me a story about goin to church with Josephine. This was back when they lived out near the cemetery. They rode a horse and buggy. She said that everyone knew "Joe" and she knew them. People would say "good morning Joe" and she would politely respond back. Ruby said that Josephone was a Christian woman and that she had much favor with all of those she came in contact with. I beleive Ruby was very much like Josephine in regards to favor. She was a likable person. I can't think of a single reason not to like Ruby. I will truly miss her. Because of her strength and love for me, she will always leave a special place in my heart.

Mark Williams (Uncle Buddy's Great Grand Son)

Aunt Ruby was my great-aunt – and she was a truly great lady with a very warm and caring spirit!

As I live abroad, I’m sorry to say that I didn’t have the opportunity to see Aunt Ruby as often as I would have liked in the last years, nevertheless I have cherished memories of time spent with my Aunt Ruby and 'Mama Jo' (her sister, Josephine) as a little girl. We used to have “ladies’ days” where we would go shopping and go to lunch or play “beauty parlor” (I got to be the beautician). Whatever we did, we always had a great time together – telling stories, laughing and carrying on!

Aunt Ruby has gone on to heaven but she has left behind a legacy of love and kindness that will never be forgotten!

As a member of the Richards family, thru Aunt Rubys sister, Josephine Hester, I feel today, as always, that Aunt Ruby represents the very best in her immediate and extended families. She was dearly loved as Sister and Companion by my Mother. She was her strength, through their hard years of loss. I also loved and respected her. Remembering those early, impressionable years, I was keenly aware of her amazing and natural ability to affect others. A remarkable soul, who will be missed, while remaining the beloved, Matriarch of our Family.

My name is Rufus Henry Richards, Jr. and I live in Los Gatos, CA. Ruby Shelton (nee Richards) was my father's eldest sister. I was raised by my mother (Mary Louise Sword) after my parents divorced c. 1947-8 and I grew up outside of the Richards' clan, I always kept my name and was blessed to be able to reunite with this amazing family as an adult. Aunt Ruby remained a central figure of the Richards-Watkins families and epitomized the joyful and generous love we have all shared. Although we miss her deeply, I know that heaven has gained another angel and I can almost hear her singing "that" song.

I am Buck Danieley niece. Aunt Ruby was a great part of my life when she and Uncle Buck were married.Our house was just the next farm down the road from where they lived. in about 1936 my Mother was very ill and Aunt Ruby brought me a Blue Willow China Tea Set. This set moved around the country with me for the 20 years that my husband was in the Air Force. It occupies my China Cabinet now. She was my Aunt Ruby when we visited her in the nursing home.The end of their marriage did not affect the fact that she was still my Aunt Ruby.What a dear and wonderful Lady.During our last visit she sang for my Aunt Ava and me. I can still recollect sitting by my Mothers bed playing with that Tea Set.