Thelma Bernice Ruley

Maudie was born on August 5, 1937, in New Hope, Kentucky, to William Sherman and Rosey Bell Harris. Her life was one marked by perseverance, growth, and deep devotion to the people she loved. Through both joy and hardship, she showed up—consistently, faithfully, and with an unwavering presence that shaped generations.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Roy Bernard “Pawpaw” Ruley, with whom she shared 28 years of marriage. Together, they built a life grounded in commitment, resilience, and family. Their bond was enduring, and their partnership left a lasting imprint on all who knew them. She was also preceded in death by her brothers James Floyd, Charles William Harris, Rolie Conway Harris, Gerald Thomas Harris, Louis Edward Harris, Robert Milburn Harris, Lucien Lee Harris, and Billy Franklin Harris; her sons James “Ricky” Lamkin, Arvin “PeeWee” Lamkin, and Donnie Lamkin; and her grandson Douglas Edward “Pugs” Taylor III, who lovingly gave her the name “Maudie.”

Maudie is survived by her siblings, Aline Donahue (Daniel), and Gary Harris. She is also survived by her children: Brenda O’Neal (Cheryl), Martha Jeanette Moreno (Ramon), William Lamkin, and Delilah Rose Lamkin.

She leaves behind a legacy carried forward by her grandchildren: Christina Burton (Lee), Jake Dixon (Kelly), Angie Ball (James), David George (Loni), January Taylor (Marci), Jitu Taylor, Rick Lamkin (Amber), Katrina Perez (Victor), Kim Theis (Travis), William Lamkin Jr., Morgan Simpson (Brian), and Brooke Barkdull (Brayton). She was blessed with a large and growing family of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren and was fortunate enough to meet them and share in the joy of watching her legacy continue.

To those who knew her best, Maudie was far more than a grandmother, she was a constant. She showed up for every moment, big or small, joyful or painful. Her love was not passive; it was active, protective, and deeply felt. She believed in hard work, pride in one’s roots, and standing firmly beside the people you love.

Maudie never met a stranger. She was a friend to everyone who knew her and was simply “Maudie” to all. She cherished memories and held onto each one, captured in the thousands of photographs that filled her home. You could almost always find her in her favorite recliner, dressed in her flannel shirt and blue jeans, content and observant. Christmas Eve was especially dear to her, she loved cooking dinner and made sure every child was blessed with a gift, never allowing anyone to be overlooked.

Maudie’s life was not without trials and tribulations, and she grew through them. She learned, evolved, and loved fiercely, especially when love required courage. She taught her family to be proud of who they were and where they came from, embracing the beauty and diversity of family in all its forms. Her love became a second chance, a healing force, and a steady foundation for the generations that followed. Her impact lives on in the hearts she shaped, the strength she passed down, and the love she never withheld.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Audubon Hospital for their compassion and care, with special appreciation for Dr. Tim Killeen, whose loving kindness and presence at her bedside brought comfort to the family as she peacefully took her last breath.

Services will be held at Evergreen Funeral Home, 4623 Preston Highway, Louisville, KY 40213. Visitation will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

A Repast Celebration luncheon will be held at Holy Cross High School, 5144 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40216, at 1:00 PM, immediately following the burial. The family warmly invites all who wish to celebrate Maudie’s life and share memories to attend.