Ruby Ward Tester

Mrs. Ruby Ward Tester, 96, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

Ruby was born on February 4, 1927 in Watauga County to Alfred and Virginia Ward.  On May 26, 1945, she married the love of her life, Bernard “Nard” Tester.  She began her teaching career as one of the original teachers at Alamance Christian School before the school began in 1966.  She was the 2nd grade teacher until her retirement from there in 1984.  She went on to teach at Baptist Temple and finally at Andrew Memorial Readiness School, where she taught into her mid-80s.  Ruby was a long-time member of Greenway Park Baptist Church in Graham, where throughout the years, she taught children's Sunday School and later, the ladies Sunday School.  She also was a seamstress and sewed for the community for years.  In her free time, she enjoyed painting watercolors and acrylics.  Anyone who knew Ruby would tell you that she was a quiet, loving lady who truly lived her Christianity in a way that everyone could see her Christ-like spirit. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Michael Copeland, 2 sisters, and 4 brothers.

Left to carry on Ruby’s legacy of love are her daughters, Cheryl Whitlow (Alfred) and Debi Frazier (Joe); grandchildren, Kristi Jefferies, Nikki Frazier, Matthew Adams (Sherry), Jonathan Adams, T.J. Whitlow (Jennifer), Tim Whitlow (Kristen), Lee Whitlow (Jennifer Romano); granddaughter in law, Katie Copeland; 18 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Bob Ward (Gerry); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Ruby’s life will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel.  The family will receive friends from 12:15 – 1:45 PM prior to the service, and other times at Cheryl’s home.  Burial will follow the service at Alamance Memorial Park.

Memorial donations may be made to Gideons International, PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN  37214-0800, or Alamance Christian School Scholarship Fund, PO Box 88, Graham, NC  27253.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for all the support and prayers during Ruby’s declining health.