Ruby Gwendolyn Ballinger

Ruby Gwendolyn Ballinger, 95, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. She was born on July 17, 1930, to Lillian E. Miller and her stepfather, Herman E. Smiddy, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ruby was truly a precious gem, named after her birthstone. While loved by many, she was most adored by her late husband, Roy N. Ballinger, who passed away in 1983. The two met in the summer of 1947 on their adjoining streets in Highland Park and fell madly in love. Ruby was a recent graduate of Louisville Girls High School, and Roy had just finished his service in the U.S. Army Air Corps. They were married on a cold, snowy day on January 17, 1948. Theirs was a "forever love" that stood the test of time.

Though they were unable to have children of their own, they shared a full life together. Ruby's brother had a daughter, Angela Renae, whom Ruby and Roy cared for on weekends and loved as their own. Over time, Angie came to live with them permanently. Following Roy's passing in 1983, Ruby and Angie formed an unbreakable bond. Ruby supported Angie through her years at Christian Academy of Louisville and the University of Louisville, and throughout her 21-year career at Darwin's Photography. Ruby was filled with joy to see her daughter marry Mark Nief and to experience the unconditional love of a large family.

Ruby attended James Russell Lowell Elementary and Southern Junior High. At 14, she held her first job at the downtown Woolworth's candy department. After marrying Roy, the couple built their first home at 704 Manning Road, where they enjoyed many wonderful friendships. Ruby loved roses, gardening, and her career. She worked as a secretary for Pete Viviano at DelMonica's Foods and later owned her own hair salon. In 1970, she began working as a bookkeeper and office manager for Gene and Jeanne Sheets at Rapid Industries, Inc., where she remained until her retirement at age 80 in 2010. A lifelong Christian, Ruby was a member of Highland Park Christian and Shively Christian Church before joining Southeast Christian Church in 2019.

Ruby enjoyed the beach-specifically Daytona Beach-old movies, and relaxing on her deck. She loved shopping, lunch dates with friends, and the sound of laughter in the house when the babies visited. She also found peace in house cleaning and had a fondness for White Castle, Graeter's ice cream, and Dairy Queen.

Above all, Ruby loved her daughter, Angie. Angie was her world, and Ruby's greatest priority was ensuring she was safe and cared for. When Ruby saw how Mark cared for both Angie and herself, she knew he was a gift from God and "All was well with her soul."

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Roy N. Ballinger; her mother, Lillian E. Smiddy; her stepfather, Herman E. Smiddy; her brother, Leonard Jerry Smiddy; and her beloved cat, Zeke.

She is survived by her daughter, Angela Nief (Mark); her niece, Gabrielle Smiddy; her aunt, Jeannette Miller; her cousin, Phyllis Hargrave; and a host of family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 13, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40205. The funeral service will take place Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by a private graveside ceremony for family and close friends at Memorial Gardens West in Shively.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Kentucky Humane Society.