Ruby Gaddy, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home on February 5, 2025, surrounded by love, after a long and fulfilling life. She was born on January 30, 1940, in Rolla, Missouri, the daughter of Herbert and Leora Williams. Ruby grew up in a large and loving family, one of nine children, where she learned the values of hard work, resilience, and caring for others.

Ruby attended Rolla High School, where she first met the love of her life, Sam Gaddy. Alongside her cousin and best friend, Charlotte O’Connor, she embarked on one of the most exciting chapters of her life, working as a waitress at the Greyhound Bus Depot and sharing a small apartment in Rolla. Their adventures eventually led them to Denver, Colorado, where Ruby began working at an optical store. It was there that Sam followed her, proving his devotion, and the two were married in 1960 in Raton, New Mexico. Together, they built a life centered around love, adventure, and family.

Ruby was an exceptional homemaker, mother, and caregiver, with an unmatched work ethic and boundless energy. She put everyone’s needs above her own and was a friend to all she met. After moving to Springfield, Missouri, she created a thriving childcare business in her home, where she nurtured and loved each child as if they were her own. Her warmth, organization, and creativity made her a second mother to many, and even years later, those children returned to express their gratitude for the love and care she had given them.

A woman of many talents and interests, Ruby was artistic and had a natural eye for beauty. She loved painting and creating floral arrangements, turning simple things into something special. She had a passion for gardening, cooking, and decorating her home with thoughtful touches. She was always impeccably dressed, managing to look stylish without extravagance. She had a deep love for animals and nature, always finding joy in the outdoors. She planned countless family road trips, picnics, and excursions, ensuring that life was always filled with adventure and joy. Whether it was a visit to Silver Dollar City, a rodeo, a swim at Stockton Lake, or a spontaneous road trip, Ruby cherished every moment spent with her family.

Her love for travel and new experiences took her beyond Missouri. She visited the Virgin Islands, went on two cruises, and fulfilled a dream of seeing Celine Dion in concert in Las Vegas. She embraced each adventure with enthusiasm, making memories that she carried with her always.

 Even after facing serious health challenges, Ruby’s spirit remained unbreakable. She faced every difficulty with grace and perseverance, never allowing hardships to diminish her warmth and love. As a grandmother, she continued to be the heart of her family, attending every event and cheering on her grandchildren with pride.

In her later years, Ruby battled dementia with the same kindness and strength that defined her entire life. With the unwavering support of her family, including her devoted husband Sam, her daughters, and a dedicated caregiver, she remained at home, where she felt most comfortable and loved.

Ruby leaves behind her husband of 65 years, Sam Gaddy; her daughters, Sherrie Gaddy Kueckelhan and her husband, Gerald of Columbia, Missouri, Sheila Williams of Sparta, Missouri, and Rhonda Patterson of Springfield, Missouri; her grandchildren, Andrea Kueckelhan of Columbia, Missouri, Rachelle Buescher and her husband, Jared of Columbia, Missouri, Austin Kueckelhan and his wife, Julie of Collierville, Tennessee, Tyler Patterson of Springfield, and Dalton Williams of Springfield; and her great-grandchildren, Landon Kueckelhan, Emma Camille Kueckelhan, and Palmer Lynn Kueckelhan of Collierville, Tennessee, as well as Pippa Buescher and Marlow Buescher of Columbia, Missouri. She is also survived by her brothers Paul Williams and Roy Williams, along with many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Ruby was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of so many with her kindness, strength, and unwavering love. She left this world as she lived her life—surrounded by love, in peace, and with a heart full of memories. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A funeral service for Ruby will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 1:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield. Ruby will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens immediately following her service.

Arrangements are under the compassionate direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, Missouri.