Ruby Albertson Evans

A faithful Christian, Ruby was a devoted wife and caregiver to her late husband, Tom, and took great joy from being a loving mother figure to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and any other children who needed love and a hug. Ruby and Tom’s door was always open.

Time spent with family was one of the most important aspects of Ruby’s life, whether it was all-day outings on the lake, driving the boat for Tom — aka Ski King — as he carved rooster tails across Lake Keowee with his slalom ski, reuniting with distant cousins at the Ross reunions, or loading up 25+ family members and heading to Cherry Grove and Fripp Island for the annual beach trip.

As an expression of her loving spirit, Ruby took advantage of any opportunity she had to cook for a crowd. She was well known for the delicious sourdough rolls she baked from her mama’s recipe and for many years kept a constant supply on the counter to share with anyone who stopped by.

After Tom received his first kidney from an anonymous donor, Ruby became a big advocate of organ donation. In gratitude for the gift of life given to her husband, she gave back by donating platelets that helped untold numbers of people. If the blood bank called her with an urgent need, she went immediately to help.

Ruby and Tom’s pool served as a home base for the family during the summertime, and their home was a magnet for neighborhood kids. She loved hosting youth group outings at the pool, and the sounds of kids splashing and jumping from the diving board could be heard throughout the backyard for hours on any hot day, sometimes lasting well into the night.

Ruby is survived by her son, Andy Evans (Sandie); daughter, Amy Goodin (Scott); a nephew raised in her home, Will Albertson; grandchildren, Alex Madden, Chris Madden, Carrie Madden, Katriena Woodruff (Justin), Jessica Aguilar (Christian), Aubrey Cooper (Austin), Emma Evans, Annabeth Albertson, Kyra Albertson, Sydney Albertson, Rylie Albertson and Lindsay Parker (Ricky); great-grandchildren, Josie, Evan, Thomas, Temperence, Aria and Andres; sister, Brenda Mauldin; brother, Ed Albertson (Sherri); and a multitude of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and other family and friends who loved her and whose lives she touched in so many ways.

In the years following Tom’s passing, Ruby was blessed to be able to share her home with her sister, Brenda Mauldin, and sister-in-law, Sherri Albertson. The “Golden Girls” found untold joy, comfort and companionship in spending their days together.

She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Tom; brother, Don Albertson; and parents, Mack and Elizabeth Albertson.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Ruby’s niece, Brandi Johnson, for the wonderful love and care she provided to our mama over the past two years. Special thanks also goes to the team from Agape Care Group (Amanda, Clarissa, Karla and others) for the amazing guidance and friendship.

The family will receive friends from 2-3:15 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens, with a service to follow at 3:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ruby’s name to Pickens County Meals on Wheels, the Blood Connection or an organ donation organization of your choice.