Ruby Grace Welker Gafford, 89, of Beebe, Arkansas, went to her heavenly home on October 24, 2025. She was born on May 17, 1936, in Phoenix, Arizona to Jim and Maureen Welker.
She loved to crochet and make baby blankets, doing embroidery, cooking and baking, and caring for her children and grandchildren. She attended Stoney Point Methodist Church.
Grace was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Allen Gafford Sr., her grandson, Jameson Gray, great grandson, Fisher Abbott, and her siblings, Robert, Acel, Ralph, Ira Welker, and Nellie Kelterborn.
She is survived by her children, Richard Gafford, Susan Babel, Maureen Gray, Allen Gafford Jr., Mary Green, 15 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. with Funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. DeWitt Henry Dr. Beebe, Arkansas 72012. Burial at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens.
To view the online registry; www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
404 West Dewitt Henry Drive, Beebe, AR 72012
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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