Ruby Vanderryt

Ruby died peacefully at her home, Friday afternoon. Her daughter, Teresa; son David, and sister, Erlene were by her side. The love of family and friends near and far were also present as she slipped quietly to pass from these earthly bonds to the freedom of God's heavenly home where she was received by her husband, Don; her oldest son, Ricky; parents: Mancel and Lois; siblings: Charles, Mancel, Travis, Willard, Marcus, Dan; and Effie: dearest friends: Polly and Gerald Wheeler.

She is survived by her son, David of Navarre; her daughter Teresa (John) Willoughby also of Navarre; daughter-in-law Shirley (Ricky) VanDerryt of Louisville, Kentucky; grandchildren: Robert (Amber) VanDerryt, Stephen (Sonia) Willoughby, Lucas Willoughby, Bradley (Maria) Willoughby, Joel (Meghan) Willoughby, Charlotte Rose VanDerryt (Patrick) Wade; great-grandchildren: Rebecca, Raley, Sam, Junior VanDerryt; Viola and Wyatt Willoughby; River Wade; sisters Lois Adams and Erlene Stack; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ruby was born on March 10, 1940, the sixth child out of nine, in Blackhawk, Mississippi. While on a blind date, she met and soon married the love of her life, Donald and traveled back and forth across this great country as a military wife and mother.

Ruby loved to give her heart and soul to others despite the constant pain of an injury she suffered early in her life. Most would never know the pain she was often in because one would rarely ever see Miss Ruby not looking her best. Her children remember her saying she had to "put her face on" every day. Ruby loved to sing. She sang everywhere: home, car, church, children's schools, on stage, on television, and at developmentally handicapped homes for adults; but most would remember her singing, or calling as it is known, at square dances. She and Don could cut a rug for sure. Ruby was also generous of her time and energy to her community. She was active in the Navarre United Method Church as long as possible. She also co-founded Caring and Sharing of South Santa Rosa County, working tirelessly to give families a Thanksgiving and Christmas full of hope and love.

Anyone who went to Miss Ruby's house would be served an ice-cold glass of tea and given a choice of which cuttings to take from her garden. Ruby could grow anything. She had an amazing eye for decoration. Her flower arrangements are in homes across the country. She was a true homemaker; she devoted her heart and talents to her home, her yard and her family. She raised her children with love, often on her own as Don served our country in various bases around the world.

Her youngest son, David, was Ruby's caregiver for the last years of her life. After Don passed, he stayed at home with Ruby and saw to her needs. Grateful thanks is given to the many friends who helped out, and a big thank-you to Emerald Coast Hospice Nurse Jeannette, Chaplain Janice, and caregivers. Ruby and David truly loved each and every one of you.

Whatever name you call her by: Mom, Ruby, Miss Ruby, Grandma, Mon, sister, it was that last call by her Father, that truly brought her home. As she went to be with Him, we know she went with confidence and grace, and we, who were with her, witnessed the beauty of freedom from pain as the angels lifted her up for her most glorious journey…because Ruby left us with a smile.

The family will be receiving friends on Thursday, March 21, 2019, at 10:00 A.M; service to follow at 11:00 A.M. at Rose Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2942 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL, 32563.

Although Ruby loved her flowers, a monetary gift in her name may be sent to Emerald Coast Hospice. 5777 N 12th Ave. B. Pensacola, FL 32504; Emerald Coast Hospice Website

Visitation

Rose Lawn Funeral Home
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Thursday, March 21, 2019
10:00 to 11:00 AM

Service

Rose Lawn Funeral Home
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Thursday, March 21, 2019
11:00 AM

Cemetery

Rose Lawn Cemetery
2942 Fulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563