Ruby Matlock

Ruby Matlock, age 96 of Independence, MO passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2022. She was born February 7, 1926, in Douglas County, MO, to Kelly and Lula (Cameron) Medlock. She was the eighth child of nine children.

The family lived on Bryant Creek where her father was a farmer, worked in sawmill sets and enjoyed playing the banjo. Her mom was a housewife, growing a big garden, making quilts and clothing for the family. Ruby learned many talents from this upbringing that she carried with her all through life. She began playing the banjo and guitar at a young age and sang beautiful harmonies with her sisters.

After World War II began, the family moved to work in the war industries where Ruby was a Rosie the Riveter, working at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company. After the war most of the family moved back to southern Missouri where she met and married Ira Edward (Buck) Gist in Bolivar. After starting a family and moving to Independence, she worked at Richards United Super Market for over 25 years. She was very talented and creative as a seamstress, making beautiful quilts, pillows and other items, which she gave generously to her family.

After retiring she moved to the Old Oak Tree apartments where she resided for 30 plus years. She spent many hours enjoying her country western line dancing hobby, performing at numerous venues and locations. At age 80 she performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, line dancing with her friends from the Fairmount Dancing Queens. She was a member of the Red Hat Club making new friends and enjoying fun activities. We were so blessed to have her in our lives for many years. She was a wonderful Mom who deeply loved her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Kelly and Lula (Cameron) Medlock; husbands; Ira Edward (Buck) Gist, and Chet Matlock; son Jerry Gist; three brothers: Felda and Tommy Medlock, and an infant brother; and five sisters: Nellie Shelton, Dorothy Maybee, Roxie Medlock, Effie Keith, and Melba Bolinger.

Ruby is survived by a son: Edward (Becky) Gist of Blue Springs, MO; two daughters: Sharon (Bob) Fusco of Berryton, KS; Brenda (Dan) Mitchell of Plano, TX; four grandchildren: Tisha (Eddie) Homfeld; Brian (Valerie) Fusco; Tara (Shaun) Ashley; Linnzi Fusco; seven great grandchildren; Dawson, Dakota, Jace, Jayden, Adalyn, Veda and Everly.

A memorial service for Ruby will be held Friday, July 22, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Newcomer's Noland Road Chapel, 509 S Noland Rd., Independence, MO 64050. Following the memorial service will be a committal service from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Woodlawn Cemetery - Independence, 701 S. Noland Rd., Independence, MO 64050.