Ruby Lee Herron Qualls

Ruby Lee Herron (Pate) Qualls went home to be with the lord on February 2, 2011, in Gulfport.

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:8, "We may have confidence that to absent from the body is to be present with the Lord". We know that today mother has joined the family circle at the throne of our Lord and is singing praises to him as she so loved to do in this life. Ruby was born November 20, 1922, in Cedar Glades, AR to George Herron and Dorcas Christina (Heaton) Herron.

She was preceded in death by her father, George Herron, mother, Dorcas Christina (Tena) Herron (Heaton); husband and father of her only daughter, Linda Gail, Hansel William Pate; husband Edgar Qualls; brothers, Tommy, Joe and Mitchell Herron; and sister Pearl Herron.

Surviving Ms. Ruby to celebrate her homegoing is her daughter, Linda Gail (Tom) Williams of Biloxi; granddaughter, Christina Lee Cogsdil of Biloxi, who stayed by her side 24 hours a day during her brief illness; two step-daughters, Mary (Wilbert) McIntosh of Exeter, CA, Clemy (Dave) Russell, of Clovis, CA; five step grandchildren; fourteen step-great grandchildren; one step-great-great grandchild; and numerous Christian brother and sisters and long time friends and one cherished great-grand dog, "Officer Mackie", who will miss his evening trips to grandma's house for treats.

Wanting to do her part in the nation's WWII Effort, Ruby went to work as a welder in the Permente Metals Corporation Shipyards in Oakland, CA, as part of the team effort building the famous "Kaiser Liberty Ships". She proudly displayed in her home a picture of the last of 519 ships to leave the yard.

Ruby attended Henderson State Teacher's College, Arkadelphia, AR, receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and later completed her Master's Degree at Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM. She taught school for 28 years in Hot Springs, AR; Hobbs, New Mexico, and Visalia, CA. After retirement she taught English Language Skills to Laos immigrants in California until funding was ended for that program. In addition to teaching in the public school systems one of Ruby's greatest joys in life was teaching Sunday School, Especially when she taught young children about the love of Jesus.

Mother had many interests in her long life. She loved to read the bible and did so every day. During her studies she completed a total of 85 courses through the southern Baptist extensions program. Mother's other great passion was quilting, making 85 of them over the years. Some she sold but many were given in love to those serving the Lord in ministry and those she knew had lost all they owned to Hurricane Katrina. Several others were donated to be auctioned off for various charities. Those who received one of Ms. Ruby's hand-made quilts will cherish them for years to come as well as their memories of our dear sweet mother whose loving hands crafted them.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 4, 2011, at 3:00 PM at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Three Rivers Rd., Gulfport. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to service.

An additional visitation will be held from 12-2PM on Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at Caruth Funeral Home, Hot Springs Village, AR. A procession will leave the funeral home for graveside services at Rock Springs/Walnut Grove Cemetery, Rock Springs, AR

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Woolmarket Baptist Church projection and sound fund in memory of Ms. Ruby, to provide a visually enhanced worship experience for the hearing impaired.

The family wished to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the caretakers on ward 4-D of Memorial Hospital, Gulfport and to Odyssey Hospice for the love and professional care given to mother during her illness; also the care given to us as a family. May God bless you all!

Memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com.