Ruby Mae Harris

Ruby Harris danced through the Pearly Gates on Friday, June 24, 2016. Her journey was peaceful and surrounded by family, friends, and staff from Wesley Village Assisted Living Center in Denison, TX. She was preceded in death by the “Love of her Life” for almost 73 years, Howard Harris, her parents, Wylie J. Flippin and Mary Jane (Willcoxson) Flippin, and all of her siblings.

Born 7th of 11 children in Electra, Texas on May 18, 1915, Ruby was fortunate enough to celebrate her 101st birthday. She is survived by two sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, Kelli Cott, who Ruby and Howard helped raise from birth to 8 years old, many longtime Lake Highland neighborhood friends, a whole lodge of “Elk #71” brothers and sisters, plus her “Just Our Bunch” group of special friends.

Ruby graduated from Electra High School and met the hometown “Soda Jerk” who came back to Electra, after graduating college, to help his ailing dad at the Electra Drug Store. On February 19, 1935, Ruby and Howard were married at the Electra Methodist Church.

After marrying, Ruby and Howard transitioned into their own business, opening Jumbo Ice Cream store in Yorktown, Texas, working for Interstate Restaurants in Sears and Roebuck Buildings in both San Antonio and Dallas, and managing the Lakewood Grill in Dallas. Ruby became an Inspector of Mortar Shells during WWII and was hired by Guiberson in Dallas. She later transferred to Consolidated Aircraft, in the Engineering Department in New Orleans, LA, close to the end of WWII. In 1960, Ruby was hired in the Accounting Department of Gulf Insurance and retired after 20 years of service, at age 65.

Dallas (Lake Highland area) was Ruby and Howard’s residence for 61 years. Ruby volunteered in the neighborhood, especially to help with garage sales. She volunteered with friends from work, was a member of Lakewood Methodist Church, and joined the Dallas Elk Ladies #71. She was a 71 Stepper Line Dance member, Honorary Mother of Elk Ladies #71, and an Honorary Member of Elk Ladies #71. Ruby was the “Official Cake Cutter” for the Elks Monday Lunch line, until she retired in November 2013, to move to Denison at age 98.

The family would like to offer special thanks to her selfless and loving Lake Highland neighbors, who gave their time to drive Ruby to Saturday hair appointments, cook and deliver nightly meals, and helping her maintain her house, allowing Ruby to live in her home until age 98. A debt of gratitude is also offered to Ruby’s Lodge members for their home repair efforts, for driving her to the Elks Lodge, to doctor appointments, and to social events. Ruby quickly became a favorite resident at Wesley Village in Denison when she decided to move where she could enjoy a smaller apartment with a little more help.

To personalize her new friendships, she would fold a $1.00 bill into a T-Shirt, and give one to each resident on his/her birthday. The staff at Wesley Village were very kind and loving to their oldest resident. The family would like to compliment all the staff, but especially the Nursing Staff who helped Ruby with her independent tasks as her life began to encounter new challenges. The family would also like to offer special thanks to Guardian Hospice of Sherman and our friend/sitter Deb Talley, for their support and guidance during our emotional last month. Their tenderness shown to Ruby will never be forgotten.

Travel was something Ruby cherished. She enjoyed France, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland specifically. She also loved needlepoint and took great pride in crafting Christmas Stockings. She enjoyed fishing, all kinds of dancing, especially Ballroom, Line and Square Dancing, and her favorite listening pleasure was Big Band music. Most of all, Ruby loved people! She had a knack of making each individual feel like they were the most precious person in the universe. Little did she know, she was the Most Precious!

In lieu of flowers, Ruby requested that memorials be made to Dallas Elk Lodge #71, 8550 Lullwater Drive, Dallas, TX 75238.

Funeral Services will be 11:00am Tuesday, June 28, 2016, in the chapel of Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home, Dallas with Rev. Monty Moore, officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour before the service. Interment will be at 2:15pm Tuesday, June 28, 2016, at Dallas-Ft Worth National Cemetery in Dallas.