Ruby McDowell Matthews, age 98 of Riceville, passed away Monday, March 21, 2022 at her residence surrounded by her family and friends.
Ruby was a native of Athens and lifelong resident of McMinn County. She was the daughter of the late Johnny McDowell and Rona Grissom McDowell. She is also preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years David W. Matthews, sisters Marie Millard, Nannie Clayton Bradshaw and Margaret Talley along with brothers J.B. McDowell and Charles McDowell.
Ruby was retired from Hardwick Stove Works in Cleveland, having worked her way up as secretary to the president of the company. She was the longest and oldest living member of Spring Creek Church of Christ.
Ruby truly enjoyed gardening, raising flowers and most all enjoyed talking with her family, church friends and former coworkers. She was known as having the best homemade chicken and dumplings in East Tennessee. Although she and her husband never had any children, they helped raise several children in their neighborhood. She always thought of them as her own children.
Ruby is survived by
Sisters Hazel Womac (Seldon) and Nellie Ingram (Kenneth) all of Cleveland;
Several Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces and Great Nephews;
Special caregivers Jan Matthews, Jean Womac and Randy Shelton.
Graveside services will be at 3 PM Friday, March 25, 2022 at Upper Spring Creek Cemetery with Delano Goforth and Mark McKinney officiating.
Serving has pallbearers will be Delano Goforth, Matt Buttram, Nick Buttram, Randy Shelton, J.C. Nipper and Larry Lane. Honorary pallbearer Claude Womac.
If you cannot attend the graveside service, you can sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com
Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Ruby McDowell Matthews.