Ruby M Bair

Ruby M. Bair (Smith), 93, of Centre Hall, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at her home surrounded by love and family. Born on May 29, 1932, at the family home in Tussey Sink, she was the daughter of the late Robert W. and Florence R. (Martz) Smith. On December 27, 1951, at the Lutheran Church in Rebersburg, she married Robert E. Bair, who preceded her in death in November of 2022.

Ruby graduated from Miles Township High School in 1950. She worked alongside her husband at their auto repair garage. Although she would say she was the assistant, she was behind everything, supporting in any way she could from accounting and financials to assisting in towing vehicles, wherever she was needed.

Ruby was a faithful and active member of the Trinity United Church of Christ in Centre Hall. She was a crafty woman that enjoyed making beautiful hand-made quilts and Swedish weave blankets for family and loved ones over the years. She was an amazing mom and took pride in cooking, baking, and canning for her family. She looked back on her time at her husband's side for 70 years with pride and joy, remembering the time spent together cutting wood on their mountain property, working at the garage, camping, and traveling. She enjoyed shopping, especially QVC or a trip to Boscov's. She liked watching General Hospital, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy as well as cheering on Penn State and the Steelers. She served as Vice President for the Grange for numerous years and absolutely loved the Grange Fair. She had an affection for butterflies and spent her life as a true servant to her Lord, family, and community. She assisted with various fundraisers, often times behind the scenes making sure everything ran smoothly. She was a strong, loving, and giving woman that will be missed by all those blessed to have known her.

Ruby is survived by her three children, Jane B. Wiand and her husband, Dennis, of Centre Hall, James "Jim" R. Bair and his wife, Susan, of Huntingdon, and Joan E. Ross and her husband, Trace, of Stevens, PA; five grandchildren, Chad Boozer (Jennifer) of Schwenksville, Lori Walter (Dan) of Centre Hall, James Bair (Ashley) of McDonald, PA, Jennifer Rhoten (Don) of Meadville, and Matthew Bair of Denver, CO; eight great grandchildren, Ryan and Alexis Boozer, Tessa Walter, Zoey and Emma Bair, Jack, Griffin, and Connor Rhoten; and two sisters, Mary Carol Armstrong of Bristol, TN and Cleo Beth Matter (Donald) of Centre Hall.

Along with her husband and parents, Ruby was preceded in death by her siblings, Robert W Smith, Jr, Nerr M. Smith, Martha Geraldine Esterline, Arline Kerstetter, and Betty Zeiders.

A viewing will be held at Trinity United Church of Christ on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Brian Percy officiating. She will be laid to rest privately next to her husband at the Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery in Woolrich.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Trinity United Church of Christ, PO Box 212, Centre Hall, PA 16828.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbara Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc of Centre Hall. To share memories and condolences online, please visit daughenbaughs.com.