She was born November 18, 1934, in Pleasant Grove, Arkansas, the daughter of Loren and Altha (Rodman) Blankenship. Ruby attended Oxford High School.
Ruby was raised on a farm in Arkansas with ten brothers and no sisters. She married Bill Reynolds and they eventually moved to Gladstone, Missouri, where they raised their three children. Ruby worked for The Jones Store Company as a telephone operator.
In 2003, Ruby married Carroll (Pudge) Willsie. They lived in Kansas City and enjoyed square dancing, traveling, spending their winters in Arizona, and playing games with friends. Ruby enjoyed gardening and loved showing people her flowers and plants.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Michael; her granddaughter, Patrice; and eight of her brothers.
Ruby is survived by her husband, Carroll Willsie, of the home; her children, Harold Reynolds (Carla) of Overland Park, Kansas; Dawn Mericle (Cregg) of Plattsburg, Missouri; six grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, two brothers, and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Ruby will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, at 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Missouri, 64119. A funeral service will begin at 1:30 PM at the funeral home with interment following in the White Chapel Cemetery.
The family suggests donations be made to the Kitchen Committee at Linden Baptist Church in lieu of flowers.
