Ruth Magdalene (Hughes) Ray

It’s hard to imagine a world without Mama Ruth.

Ruth Magdalene Hughes was born July 9, 1914. Already full of spunk, she arrived early, so tiny they used her daddy’s handkerchiefs as diapers.

Raised by a loving, Christian mother, Ruth spent her childhood shooting marbles and climbing trees, taking great pride in doing both better than any boy around. She finished fourth grade and entered the workforce, eager to help support, protect and defend her mother and her three younger brothers.

Ruth proved to be a hard worker, steady of hand, eye, and mind. After working for more than 65 years, she retired, several times, but was often called back for her craftsmanship in furniture upholstery and strong work ethic.

On July 17, 1937, she married A.C. “Buddy” Ray. Together, they built a home on James Road which served as home base for six generations of family members.

Ruth Ray only hit 5 feet tall in her heels, which she wore often, but she was a force to be reckoned with. One look could stop you in your tracks but she valued family above all else and served as a strong matriarch.

Mama Ruth, as she came to be known, was frugal and a shrewd saver, which allowed her to be generous. She was active in the YWCA and her church (Oak View Baptist and Hilliard Memorial). She traveled often and was a fixture on Jesse Hill Bus Tours.

Never losing her spunk, Mama Ruth wouldn’t hesitate to do a little dance or stick her tongue out at somebody and, on at least one occasion, licked her birthday cake simply because she could.

She led by example, teaching her family to work and live fully, but never before making your bed. She insisted women could do anything men could and that you could accomplish anything if you wanted it bad enough and were willing to work for it. She interceded on her family’s behalf with prayer, never failing to thank her Heavenly Father for her blessings, which included good health. If you asked her how she lived so long, Mama Ruth would tell you it was because she never smoked or drank, but her family is convinced it was her indomitable spirit, and maybe the Listerine.

Her work on this earth finally done, Mama Ruth was called home on April 2, 2020. She was welcomed by her husband, A.C. Ray; her father, Calvin Hughes; her mother, Willie “Mimi“ Faye Hughes Thrift (John-John); her three brothers and their wives, Bob Hughes (Meta); Amos Hughes (Annie); and, Dub Hughes (Inez); her son-in-law Lindsey Royal; and, many other friends and family members.

She leaves behind two daughters, Darlene Royal and Delores Hough (Ozzie); four grandchildren, Connie Smith (Allen), Linda Royal, David Hough (Jana), and Heather Hough-Winburn (Andy); two great grandchildren, Shannon Moretz (Jason), and Cooper Hough; and, one great great grandson Dylon Haire.

There will be a private graveside service.

Condolences may be share here on Mama Ruth's tribute page.

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