She served in the Women’s Royal Air Force during World War II, serving for more than four years as a balloon barrage technician, and later at central headquarters in London.
On May 20, 1945, she married Frank Stuart Jr., a World War II American GI, while still living in Bristol.
After their marriage Ruby and Frank moved to Blue Ridge, Ga., and raised their family together.
She was a dedicated housewife and mother. She was an avid quilter, philanthropist and volunteer.
She was a member at Chestuee United Methodist Church in Cleveland.
Her family recalls she loved being comfortable and hardly ever wanted to wear a dress, even to church. She was a unique lady who was ahead of her time and known by her loved ones as little “Spitfire.”
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Stuart Jr.; and her son, John F. Stuart.
She is survived by her daughter, Teresa Estes; son, Murray Stuart; grandchildren: Stuart T. Estes, Elizabeth A. Estes, and John F. Stuart Jr.; great-granddaughter, Keri Ann Stuart; sisters: Christine Hook of Bristol, England, and Muriel Mantel of Cornwall, England.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 29, 2012, at Chestuee Methodist Church.
The Cremation Society of Tennessee is assisting the family with the arrangements.
