Ruby Louise King

Ruby spent most of her life in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Born into humble beginnings, she developed a profound appreciation for antiques, art, music, nature, education, and family. Her altruistic spirit enriched the lives of all who knew her. Ruby enjoyed visiting yard sales, thrift stores, and participated in Bible study at the Kingdom Hall. Always ready to lend a helping hand, she was a source of support for anyone in need.

As a woman of strong influence, many sought her counsel, as she was unafraid to speak the truth. There will be no shortage of stories celebrating her memory.

Ruby graduated from Lincoln High School in Marion, Alabama, and dedicated over 30 years to the Fort Wayne State Development Center. As the eldest daughter, sister, a loving cousin, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Ruby was a steadfast friend to many. She found immense joy in antiques, operating several shops in Marle and Gravel, and participated as an antique vendor at the Johnny Appleseed Festival for many years. Gardening was her favorite pastime, and her spectacular flowers often drew passersby who would stop to chat and leave with cuttings or pots of flowers.

To know Ruby was to love her; her wit and vibrant personality left a lasting impression on all. She embraced life fully, finding joy in simple pleasures such as watching hummingbirds and searching for redbirds, which served as a spiritual reminder of her mother. My grandmother Ruby was truly one of a kind, known for her candid opinions and her remarkable talent for sharing her thoughts openly. You never had to guess her feelings, as she was always forthright. Ruby's zest for life and her love for others radiated from her, often expressed through her endless conversations. In her final days in Alabama, she maintained a lively dialogue with her doctors, nurses, aides, and anyone she encountered.

As a lifelong believer, Ruby derived great joy from her personal relationship with Jehovah. A devoted admirer of Anita Baker, she treasured the times when her granddaughter would sing her beloved songs. Additionally, Ruby took pleasure in reciting verses from a poem titled "In the Morning," which she had performed in a Black History Play at Lincoln High School, sharing these moments with her grandchildren during her golden years, which she dedicated to being a loving grandmother.

Ruby had been residing in Birmingham, Alabama. She entered eternal rest surrounded by her loving family at St. Vincent Medical Center.

After a life richly lived; Ruby is greeted in heaven by her mother, Fannie King; her father, Charlie King; her son, Alonzo King; her brother, John Lee; and her sisters, Margret King and Dorothy King/Jackson.

She is survived by her granddaughter, Sequoyah McLaurin; her four great-grandchildren, Arnold Walker, Koretta McLaurin, Ja’Meria McClain, and Derrick McClain Jr.; and her cherished great-great-granddaughter, Ah’ Zana Walker, affectionately known as "grandmomma’s baby," who held a special place in her heart. Additionally, she is survived by her three sisters, Ruth Green and Eula Bynum of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Vera (Dave) Varner of Columbus, Georgia; her brother, Charlie (Barbara) King of Florida; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The treasured moments spent with Ruby—whether around the kitchen table during family gatherings, especially at Thanksgiving, or simply reminiscing with laughter—will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew her. Ruby will be deeply missed.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her lifelong friends, including Denise Young and Erma Hogan, particularly James Starks, who has been a steadfast companion throughout the years.

Special thanks are also due to her sister, Eula Bynum, for her unwavering support, comforting words, and willingness to listen. Additional appreciation is expressed to the visiting angels, Christopher Lee and family, Willie Mae Crews, Florence Robinson, Herschel Womack, Pauline Alston, Monica Baldwin, as well as her home health aide, Velveeta Tate, and the Amedisys Home Health Hospice team.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at D.O. McComb and Sons Funeral Home - Foster Park Chapel, 6301 Fairfield Ave. Fort Wayne, IN 46807, starting at 12:00 pm. Friends and family are invited to gather an hour prior to the service. Private Interment