Ruby Blake Gillis

Ruby Blake Gillis of Troy passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Stanly Regional Hospital, Albemarle, NC. She was 99 years young. Born in Troy, NC on June 25, 1916, she was the fourth of seven children of James Frank and Lola Merritt Blake. She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Elmer Lee Gillis, two brothers and two sisters, and was the last surviving member of her high school graduation class of 1933. She loved her church, Love Joy United Methodist Church, and was a devoted and faithful member for many years. Her unwavering faith was something to be admired and was evident in her everyday life. She loved to sew and for several years, enjoyed making aprons for the annual auction at her church and was known for her persimmon pudding, which she made often for loved ones and friends. She loved doing word search puzzles, and was an avid reader of the daily newspaper, especially the obituaries, Dear Abby and the weather. She also loved working in the yard and her flowers, especially her zinnias, and shared her seeds year after year with friends and family. Her pink rose bush thrived, offering cuttings to anyone who wanted them. She loved cooking and doing for others. Also she loved spending time with her sisters, Rachel and Frances, who live right across the road. She was a kind, gracious, loving and thoughtful person with a fun sense of humor. Serving as a role model to her children, she thanked God every day for her long life and was a blessing to anyone who knew her. She will be remembered as a gentle soul, quick to smile or laugh, firm in her beliefs, loving everyone, never thinking of herself. This is a wonderful legacy, loving and showing your love to your family, thanking God along the way. What a wonderful example to follow. She is survived by son Carey Lee Gillis of the home, daughter, Janice Shaw and husband Wayne of Troy; sisters, Rachel Vuncannon and Frances Pigford, both of Troy; grandchildren: Karen Gillis Burroughs and husband Kevin of Mt. Gilead, Chris Gillis of Troy, Stacey Shaw Bruton and husband Jason of Troy; great-grandchildren, Cole Burroughs, Trent Burroughs, Mya Gillis, Noah Bruton; several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 7, 2015 from 6-8 pm at Pugh-Troy Funeral Home in Troy; other times at her home. Funeral services will be held Thursday October 8 at 11:00 am at Love Joy United Methodist Church, 1137 Substation Rd., Troy with Rev. Ron Scott officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Love Joy United Methodist Church, c/o Donna Maness, 812 Maness Rd., Star, NC 27356. Pugh-Troy Funeral Home is serving the Gillis Family. On-line condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com