Ruby Doris Stavinoha

Ruby Doris Stavinoha, age 93, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, in New Caney, Texas. As Ruby took her final breath, she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren, who held her hands and embraced her in love as she went to be with the Lord.

She was born in Fort Benning, Georgia, to Lawrence Posey Lack and Rythmae Eugenia Thurman. Ruby was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerome Leonard Stavinoha, and her sons Paul, David, John, Lawrence, and Charles.

She is survived by her children and their spouses: Jerome (Deya), Veronica (Jay Snyder), Joseph, and Matthew (Margaret); along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Ruby spent most of her life in Houston, Texas, where she raised her family and became the rock that generations leaned on. She was strength when times were hard, love when comfort was needed, and home to everyone who knew her. Her life was defined by devotion to family, compassion for others, and a selflessness that touched countless lives.

A natural caregiver, Ruby had a deep love for children that was evident both at home and in her work. She taught her children the value of hard work at an early age through her involvement in their paper routes, ensuring they were always completed. She delighted in watching her children grow up in an active household filled with sports and togetherness. Ruby supported her kids by never missing a game, while being there for her husband as he coached baseball.

Professionally, Ruby made a lasting impact as a librarian at Holy Name Catholic School, where her children attended. She continued to demonstrate her strong work ethic throughout her career with the State of Texas as an Administrative Assistant in the Planning and Budgeting department. After retirement, her nurturing role continued as she lovingly raised three grandchildren—Ryan, Randy, and Rebecca—as her own.

The roots of Ruby’s devotion to family were formed early in life. Growing up, she was raised mainly by her older sister Ruth as their mother passed at an early age, and their father was serving in the United States Army. These early years contributed to the loyalty, sacrifice, and unconditional love that Ruby carried throughout her life. And, in a full-circle reflection of the life she lived, one of the grandchildren she raised became her caregiver, ensuring she received the same love, care, and devotion she had so freely given to others. Even as she battled her physical decline, Ruby’s personality never faded: her sharp sense of humor, loving remarks, and gentle presence remained—blunt yet charming, honest yet loving.

As her late husband would always say, there was never a dull moment in her life.

Ruby will be remembered as the best mother and grandmother, whose legacy of compassion, family devotion, and selflessness will continue to live on through the generations she helped shape and nurture. Her love will never be forgotten

A visitation will be held at Earthman Resthaven, located at 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060, on January 8, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A vigil service will take place at the same venue on January 8, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

The funeral mass is scheduled for January 9, 2026, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 19222 TX-249, Houston, TX 77070, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. The committal will follow at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home & Cemetery, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.