Ruby Louise Meredith-Maxwell

Ruby Louise Meredith-Maxwell

Clyde, TX

Ruby Louise Meredith-Maxwell, of Clyde, Texas formally of Abilene, 98, passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at her home in Clyde, TX. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Thursday, October 6, 2016, at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South with her nephew, Larry Baird officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday evening, October 5, 2016 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, at the funeral home.

Ruby Louise Meredith was born on August 26, 1918 in Venus (Ellis County), Texas; the first of four children born to the late Joseph King and Nellie Elzora Tidwell Meredith. She attended school in Noonday (near Tyler) and after the family moved to Abilene she attended College Heights Elementary. Ruby met Richard Henry (R.H.) Maxwell whose family lived near hers, in 1930, on the East Lake Road at Fort Phantom Lake. They married on June 18, 1934 in Abilene where they resided the majority of their lives. Their union produced six children, Alice Bernice (1937), Richard Lee (1940), Norma Jean (1942), Linda Kay (1947), Patsy Lynelle (1951), and Alton Wayne (1958).

Ruby joined the work force at the age of 12 years old, working as a cook for her maternal grandmother, Mary Louisa Jane Connor Nuckols Tidwell in Abilene's first nursing home; Tidwell Nursing Home, 1026 Plum St. from 1931-1934. From 1957-1958 she worked at Stewarts Nursing Home at two locations; N. 19th St. and also the Swenson St. location. Her last employment before retirement was at Shady Oaks Lodge on Old Anson Rd. from 1964-1981 as head cook and dietitian.

Ruby was a precocious child being the oldest sibling of 4, starting to work for the public at the age of 12, married at 15, and at the age of 18 began her family of six children. She was an excellent seamstress making beautiful dresses for her girls and granddaughters. She was a creatively skillful person making crafts with diversity. Her crafts were used greatly to help raise funds for the Maxwell Reunion. She was also a very good cook and her food was always a delight for her family. Her turkey and dressing has been a celebrated culinary delight with a few of her children that have been able to duplicate.

Ruby loved her children and always wanted all 6 with her at all times if she could arrange that and if possible in the same bed with her. She was raised in a strong illustrious heritage of the Pentecostal Church, having children and other family members who are musicians, singers, Sunday School Teachers, Pastors, and evangelists. Ruby is the true example of a Proverbs 31 woman.

Mother was predeceased by her parents, Joseph King Meredith (1960) and Nellie Elzora Tidwell Meredith (1963); her husband of 59 years, Richard Henry (R.H.) Maxwell (1993); two brothers, John Gentry Meredith (2006) and James Thomas Meredith (2006); and one sister, Eunice Pearl Meredith-McLamore (1999).

Survivors include four daughters, Alice Bernice Armstrong of Ft. Worth, TX, Norma Jean Lemond of Abilene, Linda Kay Stevens and husband, Rev. Jack Stevens of Clyde, TX, and Patsy Lynelle Parker and husband, Tommie Parker of Clyde, TX; two sons, Rev. Richard Lee Maxwell and wife, Mona of Clyde, TX, and Alton Wayne Maxwell and wife, Kathy of Edgecliff Village, TX; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 30 great-great-grandchildren; one special sister-in-law, Laretha Hall Meredith of Ft. Worth, TX; one special niece, Hazel Connor McMahan of Abilene; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins on the Meredith side and Maxwell side of the families.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Jordan Home Health, Dr. Raul Calvo and staff, Dr. Grant Janzen, and Hendrick Hospice.

You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliott-hamil.com.