She attended Mary B. Austin Elementary School, Murphy High School, and graduated from her beloved Auburn University in 1955. A Charter Member of Springhill Baptist Church, Ruby Dell devoted her life to her faith, family, and Jack – her husband of 37 years. She made up for her legendary lack of cooking skills by being a wonderful and loving wife, mother, and grandmother.
Ruby Dell was preceded in death by her parents, Esther McDuffie Long and Horace Luther Long; her husband, John “Jack” Edward Dorland; daughter, Tamatha Leigh Dorland; and sister, Pollye Melinda Long.
She is survived by her children, John E. Dorland, Jr. (Kate), Karen Dorland Nenstiel (Rich), and Delinda Dorland Merry (Frank), Her siblings, Margaret Long Harkness, Deborah Long Beverly, and Horace "Buddy" Long (Margaret); Her grandchildren, Travis Dorland (Kate), Ann Dorland, Haley Nenstiel Campbell (Todd), Hillary Nenstiel Bessinger (Patrick), Parker Nenstiel (Carrie), Jack Nenstiel, Pierce Merry, Sarah Esther Merry, and Knox Merry; 7 Great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends."
The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Atria Regency and SAAD’s Hospice Unit.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Springhill Baptist Church Foundation.
A graveside service will be held in Pine Crest Cemetery Friday, August 14 at 10 a.m. Because of the heat – Dear Gussie!, attendees are asked to dress casually and comfortably.
