Ruby Jean McDaris, 74, of Springfield, Mo, was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, August 7, 2021.  She passed from this life at peace.  Ruby was undoubtedly greeted by a host of family and friends that had preceded her. Born on November 16, 1946, to Gene McDaris and Gracie Hicks in Twin Falls, Idaho. Ruby would later gain a stepfather, Doyne Hicks, and a stepmother, Vera McDaris.

Ruby grew up in Mountain Grove, Mo., with her sisters Janice and Nina. She often shared fond memories of her childhood, including summers playing with her cousins at Grandma Essie’s, teenage years cruising the square, and listening to Elvis on the radio while doing the twist. So much of her life would point back to those years, the values and work ethic Doyne and Gracie instilled in her.

As a young girl, God had a calling on Ruby’s life. She would often tell stories about a Pentecostal preacher on the radio that she was drawn to as a young girl. The hunger for something more would take hold of her as a young adult, leading her to a deeper relationship with the Lord through the filling of the Holy Spirit.

Ruby witnessed and experienced the power of prayer throughout her life. Many knew her as a woman of prayer. Her faith was unshakeable, contagious, and inspiring. The ever-present power of the Holy Spirit in her life could even be felt by strangers that would find themselves opening up to her unexpectedly. She used those opportunities to witness, counsel, and pray with them wherever they were.

She dedicated her life to the service of others. A model of love and compassion that was evident throughout her thirty years of service at Mercy Hospital. Even after retirement, she continued to fulfill her calling of helping others through volunteer work at The Kitchen, Higher Ground Ministries, and her church, Praise Assembly.

Ruby was a loving and dedicated mother to her five babies, Angela, Mike, Reba, Mark, and Dean. Her kids were her treasure on earth.  She sacrificed a lot to make sure they had what they needed. There was never any doubt that she loved every one of them to the fullest.  She gave each of them the greatest gift of all, an opportunity to know the Lord as she knew him. Her life was a testament to her children and all that encountered her of God’s grace, love, mercy, and faithfulness.

Spending time with her family was one of her most treasured things to do. She had a competitive spirit, whether it was a jigsaw puzzle, a card game, or watching the Kansas City Chiefs. She was known for her homemade bread at family dinners and chocolate cakes for special occasions.  She also enjoyed putting her feet in the sand, marveling at the talent on display in a Broadway Musical, reading a good book, and gleaning from scripture. Passions that will live on in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her little redheaded boy, Michael James Dobson, father Gene McDaris, stepmother Vera McDaris, mother Gracie Hicks, stepfather Doyne Hicks, stepbrothers Burt Middleton and Clarence Middleton. Ruby is survived by her daughter Angela Michael and her husband Kevin, daughter Reba Fox and her husband Fred, son Mark Dobson and son Dean McCall and his wife Danna, Cindy widow of Mike Dobson, sister Janice Shera and her husband Preston, sister Nina Roberts, stepbrother Sam Middleton and his wife, Ann. Her beautiful grandchildren are Sam Dobson, Luke Michael, Jade Dobson, Blake Dobson, Madi Ashburn, Becca Dobson, Scarlett Dobson and Gracie McCall. Great-grandchildren Rylin Jean Ashburn, Aiden Ashburn, and Dale Cummins.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 am on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Praise Assembly, 3535 N. Glenstone Ave. Springfield Mo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.