Ruby Ann Newberry

Ruby Ann Newberry was born in Thonotosassa, FL, on December 29, 1933, to the late James Edward and Elvery Mae Hurst. Being the oldest of 5 children, she learned very early on the importance of a strong work ethic and how to command most situations she would encounter. This lifelong attitude helped her accomplish many goals as her life unfolded.
When she was a child, she would visit the Arcadia/Brownville area to visit her grandmother, Essie Fipps, especially during the summer. During her visits to the area, Ruby met her childhood sweetheart and what later would become her lifelong husband of 61 years, Curtis Newberry. Ruby married Curtis on September 30, 1951. Together they worked hard, faced many challenges, but remained strong, resilient, and undeterred in love and commitment to one another and their family. In the early 1960's, while working jobs at Central Moloney Transformer plant and G. Pierce Wood Memorial Hospital, they started and built a water well drilling company of their own. Sometimes working long hours, with little sleep, Curtis E. Newberry and Sons Well Drilling Company was formed and operated by them for over 25 years. Together, they served their community and helped supply water to many businesses and homes. Their professional "know-how" and excellent work ethic left a good name in the community and a good foundation for their children to build upon.
After retirement, they both were greatly blessed with continual good health, which allowed them to travel extensively to different mission fields as well as churches throughout the United States. God used them in several different positions and with different gifts, the main one being the gift of help.
Ruby and Curtis were also instrumental in helping establish the Upper Room Church of God in Arcadia by not only donating the property the church is located on, but also being pillars in the local church for many years.
One of Ruby's favorite things to do was to plant and maintain a beautiful yard and flowers. She took
much effort and pride in tending to them.

Ruby and Curtis celebrated 61 years of marriage before Curtis' passing in 2013. Their union was blessed with 3 children, Curtis (Mary) Newberry, Theda Faulkner, and Ray (Peggy) Newberry. 9 grandchildren, Ronnie Faulkner, Gene (Nancy) Newberry, David (Renea) Faulkner, Jim Newberry, J. R. (Ashley) Newberry, Leah (Brian) Stanley, Steven (Ashton) Faulkner, Deonna (Adam) Chappell, Nick (Donielle) Newberry, and 19 great-grandchildren. Ruby is also survived by one sibling, Essie (Wayne)
Cooper and several beloved nieces and nephews.
Ruby was predeceased by her parents, James and Elvery Hurst, Brothers Horace Hurst and Buddy Hurst, and her sister Mary England.

A graveside service for Ms. Newberry will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Oak Ridge Cemetery with pastor Rufus Carawary officiating.