Ruby McKenzie, age 77, of Hudson, Florida was called home to the lord on Monday, August 15, 2022. Ruby was born April 26, 1945 in Zanesville, Ohio to Robert Swingle and Dorothy Caplinger Swingle. Ruby was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, is survived by her husband of nearly 53 years; Floyd McKenzie of Hudson, her daughter; Tamara Birdsall of Port Richey, her daughter; Shannon Sprinkle (Brian) of Atlanta, GA, and son; Floyd McKenzie Jr. (Melissa) of Hudson. She is survived by grandchildren; David, Bethani, Rachel, Mikey, Lula, Jordan, Amanda, Alex, Kendalyn, Kayson, and Floyd III, and great grandchildren; Emma, Logan and D.J.
She wed Floyd McKenzie in 1969 in Tijuana, Mexico and they returned to live in Columbus, Ohio. Ruby and Floyd owned a beloved neighborhood pizza restaurant, Maria’s, on the westside of Columbus. After twenty years, they moved the family to Clearwater, Florida. Ruby served long tenures as a Call Center Manager with The Home Shopping Network and various management positions in Pinellas County’s Purchasing Department, ultimately retiring from the County after almost twenty years. Ruby and Floyd moved to Pasco County to escape the traffic and faster pace of Pinellas, enjoying their retirement years living on a farm with their son and daughter-in-law and grandchildren, along
with cows, a horse, a donkey, dog, and cat. Ruby never got the goats she’d long suggested she
wanted to raise some day.
Nothing made Ruby happier than spending time with her family, doing arts & crafts with her
grandchildren, working on her own art projects, annually picking her favorite horse and
decorating a Derby hat, and occasionally visiting a casino to try her luck. Ruby donated time
and money to many charitable causes over the years and had a generous spirit ready to help
anyone in any way. No one ever felt like a stranger in Ruby’s home, even if you had just walked
through the door for the first time.
Ruby led a full life, traveling throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands,
and Australia. What she always enjoyed most, however, was returning to her home and family.
Her never-ending love will leave a hole in the hearts of many.
Ruby’s life will be celebrated at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park (2853 Sunset Point Rd,
Clearwater, FL 33759) on August 19. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m with service to follow at 11
a.m. The family welcomes flowers or memorial contributions in Ruby’s name to St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.
A visitation will occur Friday, August 19, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 2853 Sunset Point Road. Clearwater, FL 33759. A funeral service for Ruby will follow. A graveside service will occur Friday, August 19, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 12:15 PM at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2860 Sunset Point Road, FL 33759.
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