Ruby Lee Flowers

(Louise) Ruby Lee Flowers (Durrenberger), affectionately known as “Ga,” was born on August 21, 1926 in Giddings, Texas. She passed away peacefully in her cherished home on September 8, 2026. She was proud to have reached her goal of celebrating her milestone 100th birthday.

Ruby was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Thomas J. Flowers; her parents Robert Louis Durrenberger and Anastasia (Stassie) Tracy Durrenberger (Hejl); her younger brothers Robert and Lawrence Durrenberger, and by her sister Mildred, who died in infancy.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Judy Marie Wold and husband, Bill; Wanda Louise Wuensche, and husband Martin; and T.J. Flowers Jr., and wife Nicole. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family who all mourn her passing.

Ruby grew up in Giddings, Texas where she lived a simple country life. She often described to family the impacts of the great depression. As a young teenager, Ruby met her husband, T.J. and declared her intention to marry him during a game of tag. She was right! He later proposed to her through correspondence, while he was deployed as a submarine officer during WWII. Later, T.J. disembarked the U.S. Snook to marry Ruby on July 1, 1945 - a choice that saved his life, as the U.S. Snook was lost at sea shortly thereafter. Ruby and T.J. experienced the joyful end of WWII while living together in San Diego, California. Soon afterwards, they moved from San Diego to settle in Houston TX. They purchased a home together on Hardwood Lane, where they raised a family and remained until the end of their lives.

In addition to a rich family life, Ruby took great pride in her career. She began working in retail clothing shops as a teenager and eventually worked for Montgomery Wards for many years, even writing manuals for opening new stores across the country. She remained at Wards for over 20 years, retiring in 1981 to spend more time with her grandchildren.

It is, perhaps, as a grandmother where Ruby truly shined. Her grandchildren remember her warmth, generosity, and kindness. Ga and Paw were always ready to ferry grandchildren to and from school and work or to pick up special ingredients or ice cream from the store. Even better was her favorite activity - going out to eat and then going shopping together! Many magical Christmas mornings were spent in her home, where gifts waited beneath the tree and desserts were displayed on the buffet.

During their retirement Ruby and T.J. explored the United States in their RV, transformed their yard into a vegetable garden, and pampered their many grandchildren. Ruby prided herself on staying up to date on news, health information, and politics; she valued her autonomy, independence, and intellect. Ruby always had a story to tell or a home-remedy to suggest if needed. She loved socializing with family, whether in person or on the telephone. She took joy in the sound of her loved one’s voices, a short visit, or a shared laugh. Ruby was the heart of the family, and will be forever missed.

Services will be held for close family at Brookside Funeral Home on September 18, 2026 at 2:00PM.