Ruby Mae Hamlett

1933 - 2018

Ruby Mae Hamlett, of Mexico, left this life on March 13, 2018 at the age of 84.
She was born to William Jess Summers and Bethel Summers on December 19, 1933 in Grand Island, Neb.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Representative James Ray Hamlett in 1998.
A longtime resident of Laddonia, Mo., Ruby was devoted to her family, her community, and her profession. Ruby began her career in banking as a temporary typist at Laddonia State Bank. She ended her career as the second woman in Missouri to hold the presidency of a bank, and as the first woman in Missouri to hold the office of President of the Missouri Banker's Association.
She was the founding Director of the Ed French Charitable Foundation, established by her dear friend and mentor, Edward Pinkney French, in 1988. Ruby's lifelong support of the Laddonia Athletic Association was recognized by her induction into the Hall of Fame at Laddonia's annual Fourth of July celebration in 2016.
Ruby was a devoted mother to retired Mexico attorney James Kevin Hamlett.
She is also survived by Kevin's wife, the Honorable Linda R. Hamlett; three granddaughters, Elizabeth Ann Hamlett, Katherine Bethel Hamlett, and Rebecca Claire Hamlett; and one exceptional great-grandson, Otto Franklin Hamlett.
She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. No one loved a good hand of cards or a good practical joke more than Ruby.
Ruby will be laid to rest surrounded by family and friends at the Laddonia Cemetery on March 31, 2018 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Ed French Charitable Foundation, in the care of Arnold Funeral Home.
Condolences at www.arnoldfh.com.