Ruby R. Watkins

Ruby Ray Williamson Watkins, 95, went to be home with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Sunday, April 16, 2023.

A funeral will be at 10:oo a.m. Tuesday, April 25, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, with Pastor Joey Crenshaw officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 24, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey.

Ruby was born August 28, 1927, in Thornton, Texas, to Ray and Lena Williamson. She grew up in Waco and attended Waco High School. She married Ray Watkins in 1944 and they celebrated their 68th anniversary before his death in 2013. She spent many years working in retail at McCrory’s and Monnig’s department stores. She retired from Medical Laboratory Services of Waco, where she worked as a bookkeeper for many years. She was a member of Parkview Baptist Church. She enjoyed singing in the choir both there and at Faith Tabernacle Assembly of God, where she grew up and raised her family. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, especially when she hosted her big Christmas dinner for them. Christmas was always a special time at Grandma Ruby’s.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Nelson Watkins; father, James Ray Williamson; mother Lena Mae Williamson; brother, Boyd Warner Williamson; and sister, Willie Fay Vardeman.

Survivors include her son, Bobby Watkins, and wife, Sharon, of Spokane, Washington; daughter, Nelda Glosson, and husband, Lonnie, of Waco; grandson, Lonnie Ray Glosson, and wife, Alyssa, of Whitehouse, Texas; grandson, Larry Glosson and wife, Jana, of Tyler; two great-grandsons, Andrew Glosson and Nathan Glosson, both of Tyler; and many nieces and nephews.

Heart-felt thanks go to the nurses and staff of Community Healthcare of Texas Hospice who gave such kind and helpful care to Ruby and her family during her last few weeks. Their assistance made it possible for Ruby to send those days at home with her family by her side.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.