Ruby Etta Collier, age 89, passed away Friday morning at Laughlin Health Care Center. She was a Christian and attended Fellowship Baptist Church as long as her health permitted. She enjoyed her flowers, quilting, gardening and playing with all the children in the family. Family gatherings always included stories and singing, which she and those who cared for her enjoyed even up to the morning of her passing.
Ruby was born on December 6, 1928 in Madison County, North Carolina to the late Thurman and Maggie Smith Long. She was preceded in death by her husband, Everette Archer. She is survived by their three daughters and two sons in law. They include: David and Elizabeth Hensley, Merle Archer, Wallace and Beverly Shae Cogdell.
She later re-married the Billy Collier and had four step-children which she raised as her own. They are: Darlene Seaton, Barbara Jean Collier, Ray Collier, and Janice Rohr.
Ruby cherished her grandchildren and their spouses. They are: Brian and Paige Cogdell, Ken and Emily Cogdell, Paul and Diana Cogdell, Bethany McPherson and Ryan, and Becky Hensley. She has several great grandchildren and one great, great grandson. Her family also included 8 nieces and nephews.
She is survived by one brother, Billy Joe Long and two sisters, Maxine Harmon, and Carol and Roger Cutshall. She was preceded in death by two sisters: Elsie Wilds and Mary Ellen Hope.
The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00pm and again from 5:00 to 7:00 at Kiser Rose Hill. The funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel. The Rev. Danny Ellis and Rev. Roger Cutshall will officiate. Grandsons and nephews will serve as pall bearers. A graveside service and interment will be Monday at 11:00am in the Bradburn Hill Cemetery.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Laughlin Health Care for their love, care and support for "Rubes" for the past year.