Ruby Jane Franklin, a longtime resident of Alexander, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at Bear Mountain Health and Rehabilitation.

Ruby grew up in the Woodfin community and attended Erwin High School, graduating with the Class of 1959. She later met and married Herb Franklin in a small, intimate gathering on June 30, 1962. Herb and Ruby spent many years together on the baseball fields, enjoying time with family and friends and traveling to visit Cades Cove in Tennessee. They were often at The Depot in Marshall, listening to bluegrass music on Friday nights. They enjoyed a full life together for 36 years, until Herb's passing in 1998.

Ruby was a homemaker and later worked part-time as the site manager for Mashburn Gap Apartments in Marshall for 25 years. During her time there, she became a friend to many residents, assisting with various tasks and taking those without transportation to appointments. Though these acts of kindness were not part of her job description, Ruby was always willing to help someone in need, doing so with genuine compassion and care.

Ruby was quiet by nature, never seeking the spotlight. She was known for her biscuits and hospitality whenever friends or family came to visit. If there were a sixth love language, Ruby's would have been making sure every guest left with a full belly; no one ever left her kitchen hungry.

After Herb's passing, Ruby was gifted painting classes at A-B Tech's Madison Campus. She had a natural artistic ability and enjoyed learning and creating landscape scenes filled with God's beauty.

A longtime member of Oak Ridge Baptist Church, Ruby's faith was an important part of her life and a source of strength throughout the years.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Herb Franklin; her son, Jarrod Franklin; her parents, James Jones and Sarah Jones; her brother, James Jones; and her sister, Lillian Metcalf.

She is survived by her son, Mikey Franklin and his wife, Adrienne; her grandchildren, Austin Franklin, son of the late Jarrod Franklin, and Case and Millie Franklin, children of Mikey and Adrienne; and her brother, Clyde Jones and his wife, Kay.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Flint Hill Cemetery in Ruby's memory at 121 Bermuda Lane, Inman, SC 29349.

A private graveside service will be held for the family, with Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service assisting the family. Reverend Larry Sprouse will officiate.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org