Ruby J. Graves

Ruby J. Graves, also known as "Melviney", "Susie", and "Hosea", age 73, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on January 16, 2025. Ruby was born on September 30, 1951 in Varner, Arkansas to Johnny Murry and Ruby Lee Murry. She graduated from Kennedy High School in Arkansas, where she was an accomplished Majorette. She attended college at AM & N, now known as UAPB, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Ruby moved to Ohio in 1974 and had many hobbies and enjoyed activities such as: singing, gardening, cooking, and attending the sporting events of her children and grandchildren, in which she never missed an event. She was especially fond of her garden, from her yellow roses to her tomatoes and greens. She had a "green" thumb, which was often bragged about by her family. She enjoyed canning and passing down her legacy of great cooking. She loved spending time with family. But most importantly she loved the Lord and served God faithfully through her ministries.
Ruby received a diploma from Liberty Bible Institute. She attended The House of the Lord in Akron, Ohio where she taught Sunday School for over 20 years. She was a member of Christ Community Chapel, formerly Hudson Community Chapel where she sang in the choir and was on the praise team. She worked as a registrar with Black Renaissance Ministries where she received "A Renaissance Leader Award" as a founding member. She was also a member of the "Women's Red Hat Society."
Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny Murry and Ruby Lee Murry; and brothers: Larry Murry, Vernon Eugene Murry, and Johnny Murry Jr.
Ruby leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving and devoted husband of 48 years, Donald C. Graves; children: Gwendolyn (Gary) Williams, Vernon (Blake) Murry, Marcus (Kami) Murry, Sylene (Jerald) Robinson, Aaron Graves, Alicia Graves, Derek (Aundrea) Graves, and Jeremy (Selina) Graves; bonus children: Clifford (Sherri) Graves, and Souleatha (Allen) Calmese. Siblings: Maxine Livingston, Melvin (Rosalie) Murry, Robert Murry, Shirley Johnson, and Linda (Howard) Glass; grandchildren: Tristan Murry, Bryant Murry, Jalen Graves, Jayvon Graves, Jermya' Robinson, Airianna Graves, Davis Graves, Alina Graves, Allea Graves, Dominick Graves, O'Shay Jackson, and Sophia Graves; bonus grandchildren: Michael Graves, Sean Graves, and Tye Graves; great-grandchildren: Tatum Graves and Crew Graves; bonus great-grandchildren: Jason, Aurora, and Quinn Graves; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.
She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
A Celebration of Ruby's Life will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 12pm at The Living Word Christian Fellowship Church (701 Broad Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44708). Calling hours will be one hour prior to services on Saturday from 11am to 12pm at the church. Reed Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements and you are invited to visit www.reedfuneralhome.com to view the full obituary, and to leave condolences and fond memories.