Ruby Alene Harris

Ruby Alene Harris, 88, of Hodgenville, passed away Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family and caretakers.

She fought bravely against lung cancer and now walks with her beloved heavenly Father. Ruby gave her heart to and proclaimed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, baptized in water and loved her church families. She attended 3 Trees Church in Campbellsville and supported many ministries with her giving, heart and passion. Ruby was born on Sunday, Aug. 1, 1937, into the Underwood family in Hodgenville, one of 12 children. She married Jack Shoffner and raised her two children with care and resolve. She has worked many jobs over the years in stores, shops and nurseries. Her work ethic was second to none as she provided for her family with intensity and integrity. She later moved to Munfordville. There she lived with her husband, Conroy Harris, and served the community through his public service, making friends. Ruby was a proud Kentucky Colonel and loved her commonwealth and country.

In her 88 years, 5 months and 16 days, she enjoyed antiquing, bird watching, needle point, pencil coloring, collecting owl figurines and most importantly her QVC shopping. Her cooking was marvelous, a true explosion of delectable flavors. Ruby was a huge Elvis fan and cherished his gospel renditions. She enjoyed watching her westerns, gameshows and folk shows like Gun smoke, Bonanza, Match Game, Andy Griffith, Cheers and In the Heat of the Night. She enjoyed vacations to Florida and Gatlinburg. The Kentucky Wildcats were her team, so much so, she could hardly watch them without the possibility of losing a TV.

Mamaw Ruby or "Erby Jane" loved her family and always wanted the best for them. She very much cherished her brothers and sisters, oh the trouble they would get into. Just two or three of them in the same room was an explosion of laughter and enthusiasm. Ruby was an aunt and cousin to numerous souls and that same love carried over into their lives as well. She always served as the sentinel of calculated and reserved demeanor but could also rise to jaw clinching judgement if the need arose, bringing a swift conclusion to a dispute. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She did so through kindness, generosity and silent peace. Whole conversations could take place with just a few words, grins, eye twinkles and her signature laugh. Her memory will forever serve as a template of fortitude, strength and love.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Conroy Harris; her parents, Roy and Sudie Jane Underwood; her eight sisters, Erma Marr, Eve Vaughn, Mary Luca, Louise Skaggs, Betty Jean French, Marie Salsman, Daisy Coffey and Ruth Catlett; and her three brothers, Roy, Delbert and Donald Underwood.

Ruby is survived by her daughter, Lauralene (Willie) Reed; her son, Bobby (Tammy) Shoffner; her grandson, Brandon (Olivia) Reed; her granddaughter, Tiffany (Travis) Merriman, and grandson, Bradley Shoffner; her five great-grandchildren, Chloe, Alexandria Alene and Wilken Reed and Ryleigh and Cameron Merriman; her stepson, Aaron (Kristi) Harris; her stepgrandson, Steve Harris; her stepgranddaughter, Paige Harris; along with many other family members, friends, nieces, nephews and cousins. Ruby also is survived by her two special caretakers, Linda Skaggs and Sherry Shelton.

The funeral for Ruby Alene Harris is at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, in the chapel of the William R. Rust Funeral Home in Hodgenville with the Revs. William Brandon Reed and Michael Willingham officiating. Ruby will be laid to rest beside her husband, Conroy Harris, in Red Hill Cemetery in Hodgenville.

Visitation is from 10 a.m. until time of service Wednesday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed at williamrrustfuneralhome.com.

William R. Rust Funeral home Hodgenville Chapel 612 N. Lincoln Blvd., Hodgenville, KY 42748 is in charge of arrangements.