Ruby Eloise Marsh

Ruby Eloise Kenan Marsh, age 101, of 1756 Lassiter Mill Road and Woodland Hills Care and Rehabilitation Center, Asheboro, NC, passed away peacefully and made her heavenly entrance on Saturday, June 9, 2012. Ruby was born February 4, 1911 in Duplin County, grew up in Teachey, NC. She was preceded in death by both her parents: William Kenan and Lenora Jane Moore Kenan; her husband of 62 years, James (J.V.) Marsh, her daughter: Joan Marsh Williams McKinney, four grandchildren and by five brothers: Arthur Kenan of Wallace, Wilbur Kenan of Middleton, CT, Sprunt Kenan of Greensboro, Glenn Kenan of Asheboro and Durwood Kenan of Burgaw. She is survived by her daughter: Patricia Marsh Apple Cook and husband, Clifford of Graham; son: Jack Kenan Marsh and his special friend, Sharon McNeill of Asheboro, grandchildren: Bobby J. Apple and wife, Terry of Haw River, Jane Apple Vance and husband, Danny of Thomasville, GA, Ruby Joy Williams Saunders and husband, Jerry of Merritt Island, FL, David Williams and wife, Jackie of Polk City, FL., David Marsh and wife, Cindy of Hamilton, MA., Jeff Marsh and wife Kimberly of Westminster, MA. Ruby is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren; two sisters: Grace Kenan Tippet and Fannie Kenan Blackwood both of Greensboro and a number of loving nieces and nephews. Ruby lived a very full life active in many endeavors. As a graduate of Teachey High School as salutatorian; later enrolled in business classes in Greensboro and classes at UNCG in English, music and art. She was a member of the Burlington Writers Club, and was the head of the Asheboro chapter of the Greensboro Record for over two years, as well as the photographer for that paper. In her adult years, Ruby has lived in Greensboro, Burlington and Asheboro, NC. She was the Superintendent of the Primary Sunday School Department at Hocutt Memorial Baptist Church in Burlington for a number of years. Upon a change in her husband's insurance work and a move to Asheboro, Ruby ran a plant/gift shop. Later she set up her own printing shop and then a wedding chapel so she could marry people upon obtaining her license to do so. She wrote a number of books on poetry, widows of the Civil War in North Carolina, family history, an operetta, and an eloquent story of Christmas of which she did the art designs. She also handmade rugs of many colors for her home. She ran a catering business and designed jackets depicting some animals of the zoo. A lady of many talents, gardening and writing was her passion. Her beautiful rose and iris gardens were a joy to behold. She also held positions in the Asheboro area garden society. Ruby became legally blind in later years and several severe falls led to her physical decline, but her strong will to continue her life work, with the gift from her family of the "Vision Eye" machine, she could continue reading and writing. With the help of friends she was able to proceed with her writing. Very special thanks to Samantha Osborne, who transferred Ruby's manuscripts to internet form which the publisher required for her last book. The family wishes to give very special thanks and appreciation to Ruby's caregiver, Becky Harris, which enabled Ruby to continue to live at home for more years and special friend, Jesse Woods, who was helpful to Ruby in so many varied ways. Ruby took under her wings, Debbie Bush of Lenoir, NC, giving Debbie, the love and guidance of a mother, since Debbie lost her mother at a young age. Also, a special thank you to Asheboro Librarian, Betty Bunting, in providing large print reading books to Ruby in her later years when she lost her sight. The family is most grateful to the staff of Woodland Hills Care and Rehabilitation Center of Asheboro for the loving care, attention and thoughtfulness given to Ruby during her stay and to the medical profession for the care given Ruby, especially the past few years. The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 12, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC, prior to the funeral service at 2:00 PM in the Pugh Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Michael Fulp officiating. Interment will follow in the Science Hill Friends Meeting Cemetery, 2421 Lassiter Mill Road, Asheboro, NC. Memorials may be made to: Murdoch Developmental Center, P.O. Box 3000, Butner, North Carolina, 27509 or Asheboro Public Library, Attention: Mrs. Betty Bunting, Librarian, 201 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina, 27203 or Hospice of Randolph, P.O. Box 9, Asheboro, North Carolina, 27204-0009. Please share with the family your condolences and remembrances at: www.pughfuneralhome.com.