Ruby L. Clement

Ruby Mae Lokey Clement, 94, of Woodbine, Maryland, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 11, 2026. Born on March 18, 1931, in Ellicott City, Maryland, to the late Walter M. Lokey and Fannie V. Silvius Lokey. Ruby made her home in Ellicott City for more than five decades before moving to Woodbine in 1986, where she lived for the remainder of her independent years.

Ruby was also preceded in death by her devoted husband of more than 35 years, Roy David "Pap Pap" Clement, who passed in 1990; her siblings Zella V. Riddle, Edwin L. Lokey, and Raymond E. Lokey; and her best friend and companion of 26 years, John Schneider, who passed in 2017. She is survived by her daughter, Marsha Gail Clement Prosser; and as "Maw Maw," she leaves behind eight grandchildren-Shane Sadler and his wife Stephanie, Brian Sadler, Melissa Jerusalem and her husband Michael, Jennifer Maffucci, Kyle Hiteshew and his wife Kathleen, Matthew Sadler, Chad Sadler, and Braeden Sadler. She was also blessed with thirteen great grandchildren.

Ruby graduated from Ellicott City High School in 1950, at which time she began her long career with the Board of Education for Howard County Public Schools, where she served faithfully for many years until her retirement. Her role there became one of the great sources of pride in her life, and she remained a loyal and valued employee throughout her tenure. During her adult life, she also attended courses at Howard Community College.

A woman of devout faith, Ruby was a longtime member of Maple Grove Mennonite Church in Ellicott City and later of Winfield Bible Chapel, where she remained active for many decades. She devoted many years to teaching both Vacation Bible School and Sunday School, sharing her love of Christ with countless children who passed through those classrooms. In her later years, she cherished her time leading the Prime Timers group, delighting in referring to them as "the seniors" and "old folks," despite being older than many in the group herself.

Ruby approached life with an energy that seemed inexhaustible and a deep appreciation for beauty. She was always on the go-full of purpose, eager to do, and happiest when she was in motion. She loved to travel, to gather with friends, and to welcome others into her home. She had an elegant eye and took great care in creating a beautiful environment around her, from her well kept home to her thoughtful decorating and impeccable dress. Hosting was one of her greatest joys, and she took genuine pleasure in preparing meals and entertaining friends and loved ones.

She enjoyed gardening, yard saling, reading her Bible, and retelling the stories she collected over the years and found so much humor in-delivering her favorites time and again with the sharp wit, lively storytelling, and feisty spirit that were unmistakably hers.

Though she will be missed by many, comfort may be drawn from the fullness of her years and the hope she carried for the next chapter. In her final days, she kept two poems close to her, "I Am Free" and "My Journey's Just Begun." True to her name, she carried a ruby's fire-strong, vibrant, and full of life-and for a woman who loved to go, to see, and to do, it is fitting to imagine her traveling forth once more, on a journey only just begun.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Winfield Bible Chapel, 5407 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, Maryland, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. All are warmly invited to join us as we honor and remember Ruby's life. Fellowship and light refreshments will follow the service; in lieu of flowers, guests are welcome to bring a favorite dish to share.

A private interment will be held at Good Shepherd Cemetery in Ellicott City, Maryland.