Ruby Welborn

Ruby B. Welborn, age 97, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on February 25, 2017, at Clemson Downs Retirement Community in Clemson, S.C. Ruby was born and grew up in Big Eastatoee Valley, Sunset, S.C. She was the daughter of the late George Franklin and Grace Lewis Bowie. Ruby graduated from Pickens High School. She earned a teaching certificate from Asheville Normal and Western Carolina Teachers College in 1939. She taught school in South Carolina to children living in Jocassee and Eastatoee, worked at Singer Manufacturing, and later, she became a bookkeeper and worked 20 years as the accountant for Mutual Home Stores. She enjoyed travel, sewing quilts, the outdoors, and being a grandmother. Ruby was married 61 years to the late Robert E. Welborn. Surviving are her daughter, Katherine W. Gitto and her son-in-law Colonel Peter J. Gitto, USA Ret., and grandsons Peter R. Gitto and Andrew J. Gitto. Also surviving is her sister Annie Sue Bowie and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Ruby is predeceased by a daughter, Barbara Anne Welborn, and her brothers George Bowie and Jesse Carlisle Bowie. The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 5, 2017, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 3 p.m. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens. A warm thank you is extended to all who showed kindness and care to Miss Ruby. Memorials may be made in Ruby’s honor to the Miracle Hill Children’s Home, 117 Drummond Lane, Pickens, S.C. 29671, or to Arial Baptist Church, 618 Rice Road, Easley, S.C. 29640.