Rubye Wineman

Rubye Maxine Munford Wineman, passed away, Wednesday, October 21, 2015. She was born in New London, AR on April 9, 1925 and was the baby of seven children born to Garland and Amy Munford. She was a tomboy right from the start and was often the target of dares from her older brothers. Her older sister Margaret was always there to protect her though and they enjoyed a lifelong closeness and camaraderie. As a child Rubye would stay home and tend to the house and the kitchen while her older family members worked in the fields. Her mother, known to all as “Momma Amy”, loved children and made her house a welcoming haven to all the children of the community. Rubye learned this special openhearted love at her mother’s knee and carried forward the gift of “mothering” all those around her.

While playing high school basketball at the age of 16, Rubye suffered a broken spine which caused her severe physical difficulties for the rest of her life. As a result of the injury she wore a steel brace which would be her constant companion for nearly 30 years. After high school, at the age of 18, Rubye took a job as a switchboard operator for AT&T in El Dorado and worked her way up in the company to the position of Business Services Instructor. After 35 years at AT&T, which later became Southwestern Bell, Rubye retired although she continued as an active member of the Pioneers until her much later years.

A lovely and vibrant red-haired Rubye possessed both gentleness and a sharp wit. She married Parker (Bill) Wineman in January 1962 at the age of 38. Having been told that she could not conceive due to her serious back injuries, the couple was both amazed and excited to find themselves pregnant three months later. The couple welcomed a daughter, (Rubye) Karen, at the end of December. Her young daughter required extensive medical care and the resolute Rubye continued to work, although in severe pain, to keep the precious medical insurance that was vital to daughters care. Rubye was a devoted and loving spouse and a dedicated and joyful mother who truly cherished her family life. Her husband and her daughter provided her with joy and steadfast devotion. Over the years, Rubye welcomed her father-in-law and then her own mother and sister into her home to care for them as they aged. Ever the tomboy, Rubye rediscovered her passion for sports when her daughter attended college in Atlanta, and the frequent trips to visit sparked a love of baseball, and even more so, the Atlanta Braves. A dedicated fan, Rubye rarely missed a televised game.

Preceding her in death are her husband, Parker (Bill ) Wineman, mother, Amy Joiner Munford, father, Arthur Garland Munford; brothers, Charles (Mike) Munford, Armon Otis Munford, Walter Byrd Munford and two infant brothers; a sister, Margaret Helen Munford; nieces, Peggy Munford Bradham and Charlene Munford Williams and a great nephew, Ricky Nicholson.

Survivors include her daughter, Karen Wineman (Brian) Ratcliff; nieces, Carol Munford Gilmore, Marcie (Larry) Henderson, Alicia Wineman (Mark) Fujihara and Margie Wineman (Michael) Chaney; nephews, Donald Wineman (Toni) and Jimmy Munford (Beth); a sister-in-Law, Jane Reed Wineman; great nieces, Lisa (Steve) Bell, Lyn’dee Leek, Lauri Sprayberry (Lenny), Marty Hogue (Randy), Merri Holt (Kevin), Heather Bishop and Allison Peterson (Garren) and great nephews, Ken Williams (Debbie) and Mike Williams and many great-great nieces and nephews.

Rubye and Parker lived their entire married life in the house that was their wedding gift to each other and they enjoyed a beautiful marriage for forty two years. It was their greatest wish to remain together during their golden years in the home where they created such wonderful family memories. The family is deeply grateful to the many sitters and care-givers who helped make their special dream a reality for both of them.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 25, 2015 at Strong Church of Christ with Rev. Cullen Smith officiating. A private family graveside service will be held under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2015 at Young’s Funeral Directors.

Memorials may be made to Strong Church of Christ, PO Box 636, Strong, AR 71765.

An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com