of Harrison, AR
May 19, 1924 - January 8, 2019
On Tuesday, January 8, (2019), Ruby Maybell Gray Thomason joined her husband Harley Thomason in heaven. Ruby, 94, of Bellefonte, passed peacefully in her home. She was "Granny" to all who knew her. She was a defender to those who were less fortunate and an advocate for blue collar workers. She was born May 19, 1924, in Ashley County, Arkansas, the daughter of John Franklin Gray and Frances Rebecca Morgan Gray.
After marrying Harley and upon his return from World War II, Ruby moved to Boone County and resided at their residence on Huzzah Creek. She held various jobs and began her career making ammunition for World War II. She was involved in the hospitality industry serving as a cook for Valley Springs Schools and A.Q. Chicken located at Dogpatch, U.S.A. She worked for Harrison Furniture as well as Oberman's Manufacturing. At Oberman's, Ruby was a champion of the workers serving as president of the garment union.
Ruby was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bellefonte for more than 70 years. She accepted Christ at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Crossett at an early age. She served as a Sunday school teacher and on mission teams that taught classes across rural Arkansas. Upon her retirement, Ruby's competitive spirit bloomed. She had a desire to excel in competition. She participated in Senior Olympics and won more than 100 medals despite losing 100 percent of her eyesight in one eye and 90 percent in her other eye. She enjoyed bowling and gardening. She was a mall walker and part of the McDonald's Coffee Club.
Ruby was preceded in death by her husband; one son-in-law, Bob Williams; five sisters, Nell Slaughter, Betty Jean Slaughter, Joyce Smith, Dianne McCrory, and Rita Gray; and two brothers, Ralph (Junior) Gray and Doyle Gray.
Ruby is survived by one son, Jerry Thomason and wife Janet, of Valley Springs; five daughters, Freda Williams of Bellefonte, Virginia Hirayama and husband Gene of Fair Grove, Missouri, Kathy Martin and husband Johnny of Deer, Judy Sullins and husband Rodney of Valley Springs and Rebecca Brasel and husband Jeff of Valley Springs; 14 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sarah Rushing of Bryant and Jodi Kelley and husband Joe of Mountain Pine; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was Friday, January 11, 2019, at Roller-Christenson Funeral Home.
Service was Saturday, January 12, 2019, at First Baptist Church, Bellefonte, with Pastor Marvin Emmons officiating. Burial was at Maplewood Cemetery.
Grandchildren served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers included members of First Baptist Church of Bellefonte.
Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church, Bellefonte, 10 Garrett Street, Harrison, AR 72601 or the Arkansas Alzheimer's Association, 10201 W. Markham Street, Suite 100, Little Rock, AR 72205
My prayers are for you, the family of Ruby Thomason. I know you will miss her so much but will rejoice that she is in heaven.
Prayers of peace for all of the family. Ruby had a wonderful life and her legacy will continue on with her family.
You were the one my daughter, Stephanie, loved the most. God has you now. And I know you are happy to be there too. All of your family and friends are there with you.
Time means nothing there. It will only be a minute and the rest of your family will be there too. God bless you Ruby. You are where you planned on being all of your life.
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. My grandmother was named Ruby also, she was a good tough lady and she made a huge difference in my life and I know your Ruby was the same for each of you. So sorry for your loss. May God Bless.
Jeannie
Will always remember that beautiful smile and wonderful laugh of Ruby's. She truly was a "good and faithful servant". She left a huge legacy. Love and our sincere sympathy to all the family.
She had the sweetest smile, She is the last of the Morgan-Gray cousins. We will miss her ,but we know she has joined a host of family and she and Harley are united again with our precious Lord. We know she is at peace. God bless her kids,all of you should her perfect love.
Loved Ruby! So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for family and friends.
My family & I send our love & prayers to all the family.
JoAn Rider, Tami Edwards, & Teresa Bult
Ruby will be truly missed. She lead a blessed life with a family who loved her dearly.
What a precious and beautiful soul. So sorry for your loss. Our prayers for comfort, peace and faith are with all the family. May God put a hedge of warmth and love around you all.
I sooo cherish the many memories of Ruby and Harley and their extended family while at Valley Springs School and memories never go away. Love and prayers to all
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Some of my most precious memories are of Aunt Ruby, Uncle Harley, and my loving cousins. We love you all!â¤ï¸ Love, Bucky, Rhanda & family
RIP aunt ruby love you. Let your light shine on
Prayers to her family. When I think of her now, I see her smiling face looking into the face of God. She will be missed.
We're sorry for your loss and are in prayer for your family.
I am so very sorry for you loss. Because I know her children, I know what a remarkable lady she was.