Ruby Fisher

Ruby Maxine Johnson was born on July 10, 1925, to Dollie and Clyde Johnson in St. James, Minnesota. The second oldest of eight children, Ruby devoted herself early to helping raise her younger siblings; the beginning of a lifetime spent quietly caring for others.

After graduating from the Minnesota School of Business in 1945, she joined her family who had moved to San Leandro, California. There she fell in love with a Texan serving in the U.S. Navy, Harry Fisher. They were married on July 5, 1946. He whisked her away to Texas, where they built a life together and welcomed two children, Paul and Nancy. Ruby worked as a bookkeeper, posting machine operator, and substitute teacher before serving Corpus Christi ISD as an elementary school secretary for 26 years. She remained active in Delta Kappa Gamma and the National Association of Educational Secretaries, continued taking education courses throughout her life, and enjoyed sewing for herself and her family.

After the death of Harry in 1980, Ruby moved to Taylor, Texas in 1987 to help raise her grandson James and twin granddaughters Kristen and Laura. There she became an active member of First Baptist Church of Taylor, where she shared her love of baking by creating and running the infamous VBS staff breakroom from 1997–2014, and taking baked sweets to Mother’s Day Out staff, church staff, and public school teachers until she moved to the SPJST Assisted Living in March 2021. She also volunteered with the New Century Club, and was an avid board game player, gardener, Halloween costume seamstress, reader, crocheter, and net scrubber maker. She was especially proud of her seven great-grandchildren, including her namesake, Ruby Lawrence.

She loved to travel throughout her life with her brother-in-law and two sister-in-laws, sister, and family, visiting all 50 states, 10 countries, and enjoying seven cruises. Always ready for an adventure, she even braved a hot air balloon ride in Seattle at age 86.

She is preceded in death by her husband Harry Fisher, brothers Robert, Wesley, Walter, Chuck and Tommy Johnson, and sister Dorothy Alexander. She is survived by brother Cecil (Ruth) Johnson of Florida, daughter Nancy (Mike) Massey of Caldwell, Texas, son Paul (Mary Linda) Fisher of Houston, Texas; grandchildren James (Bethany) Massey, Kristen (Travis) Lawrence, Laura (Ben) Sugden; great-grandchildren Asher Massey, Reed Massey, Wyatt Massey, Sutton Lawrence, Ruby Lawrence, William Sugden, George Sugden; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, caregivers, and friends.

Ruby attributed her long life to a love of exercise, walking, playing Spider Solitaire, and the peace and gratitude that come with contentment in all things through her Lord Jesus Christ. "For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (Philippians 4:11). She will be remembered for her generosity, her support of others, her steadfast faith, and her kind spirit, always working behind the scenes without need of recognition. While we will miss her deeply, we rejoice in God's promise of eternal life.

The family would like to thank Concho Hearts Hospice and SPJST Nursing Home staff for loving Ruby, especially Melissa, Tammie, Megan, Stella, Raquel, and Heather.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Taylor, 2500 Mallard Lane, Taylor, TX 76574.