Ruby Esther McKinney (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Ruby Esther McKinney of Bolivar, Missouri, was born February 11, 1922, in Lilbourn, Missouri, to Martin L. and Maude (Gunter) Graham. She went home to be with the Lord on April 6, 2013 following a short illness. Ruby had two brothers, Fred H. Graham and Gene Graham, whom preceded her in death.
Ruby was united in marriage to L. George McKinney on July 28, 1942 at Second Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. George and Ruby marked their 70th wedding anniversary last year with a family celebration. Ruby was saved and professed Jesus as her Lord and Savior as an adult and was baptized with George in the Black River in 1947. Ruby was a long time member of Southern Hills Baptist Church in Bolivar, Missouri. George and Ruby were blessed with two daughters, Evelyn J. Peterie and L. Carol Vermillion who precede them in death.
Ruby is survived by husband George, son-in-law Jim Vermillion, and grandchildren, Kimberly (Enyart) Cunningham and husband Jeff, Todd Vermillion and wife Manda, Jody Enyart, Jordan Vermillion and wife Erica, and Josh Vermillion and wife Krissy. Also surviving her are 13 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Ruby worked with George and cooked when they owned restaurants in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and Greenville, Missouri. They later operated the student union snack bar at Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, Missouri. She also worked as a phlebotomist for Dr. Roper in Ozark, Missouri and at Baptist Hospital and St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Ruby enjoyed painting and was recognized as an area artist for an oil painting of poet Walt Whitman. Ruby was also a quilter and made personalized quilts for each grandchild and great-grandchild. Ruby’s experience in the restaurant business honed her talent for cooking large meals on short notice. Her family treasured years of her home-cooked meals and she and George continued to host family in their home until recent months.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gideons International.
Friends and family may sign the guestbook or leave private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com
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