Ruby Langley

Ruby Wynona Stinnett Self of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on August 2, 2025, at the age of 88. With her passing, we close a complex and formative chapter in our family's story-one marked by strength, resilience, and a life lived on her own terms.

Born on April 17, 1937, Ruby grew up along 8th Avenue in Fort Worth. She embodied the values of her generation: self-reliance, practicality, and perseverance. She married young, to Lloyd Self, a Marine preparing to deploy to Korea. Together they raised four children while facing the many challenges of working-class life— economic hardship, emotional distance, and the demands of a growing family.

Throughout her life, Ruby chose work as her anchor. Whether as a waitress, in-home daycare provider, bookkeeper for Lloyd's Automotive, or longtime Walmart associate, she poured herself into her jobs with consistency and discipline. Work brought her a sense of control and purpose, and often took precedence over family relationships.

Her sense of responsibility was strong, but her emotional world was harder to access.

She was not outwardly affectionate, and remained distant at times from her children and grandchildren.

Still, we recognize the ways Ruby shaped our lives—by her example of persistence, her commitment to duty, and the values she carried. Our grief is complicated, shaped as much by what we wished for as by what we remember. And yet, we honor her life and the place she held in our shared history.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; their son, Dorman Self; her grandson, Jeremy Self; and her sister, Wynell Allen. She is survived by her children: Eldon Self (Cheryl), Tracey Pressley (Jerry), and Joe Self (Debbie); as well as grandchildren Sabrina, Josh, Michael, Stephen, Jeremy and his wife Alicia, Kevin, Shelby and her husband Paul,Leanna, and Kristi, and several great-grandchildren.

We say goodbye with a mixture of sorrow, reflection, and the hope that peace has finally found Mawmaw. She was loved, and she will be missed.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.