Rita Kay Ruby, née Montgomery, 83, of Wheelersburg, Ohio, peacefully passed from this life and into the realms of eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 7:44 pm on Monday, December 8, 2025, at her residence with her family gathered by her side holding her hand.
On Sunday, October 11, 1942 at 6:00 pm, Rita Kay was born at Mercy Hospital in Portsmouth, Ohio to the late Ossie Ray and Clara Leona Montgomery. Rita was the baby of the family and would be the third and final child of Ossie and Clara. Her childhood would begin out on Blue Run in beautiful Minford, Ohio until the family would move into a new house built along State Route 139 where she would stay until starting her own family. Growing up, Rita would share a home with her parents and two older sisters, Dorothy and Marilyn, who would be her lifelong best friends.
During her school years, Rita was actively involved at Minford High School. Rita enjoyed being a cheerleader and majorette. In 1959, Rita was the very first Football Homecoming Queen at Minford High School. It was also during her time at Minford High that she would find the love of her life, Jerry Lee Ruby.
On June 18, 1960, Rita Kay Montgomery and Jerry Lee Ruby were married at the Methodist church in Minford. The family created by this union would be the pure joy of Rita’s life. Together, Jerry and Rita would have four children; Scott (Jodi) Ruby, Todd (Theresa) Ruby of Wheelersburg; Debbie Ruby of Cincinnati, and Pete Ruby of Chillicothe, nine grandchildren; Corey (Nicole) Ruby of Oak Hill, Mandi (Michael) Parshall of Cincinnati, Andrew (Cherokee) Ruby of Wheelersburg, Sadie (Ethan) Butcher of Minford, Elijah (Makayla) Ruby of Stout, Ellie (Sam) Swanger of Wheelersburg, Hunter Ruby of Wheelersburg, Lane Ruby and Reagan Ruby both of Chillicothe, eleven great-grandchildren; Mason, Parker, Evan Ruby, Liam and Audrey Parshall, Isabella, Jack, William Butcher, Beau and Brennley Ruby, and Sutton Ruby. Rita was proud of her family and provided endless love, guidance, care, and support until her final day on this earth.
Rita’s life revolved around her family. She supported her children in all that they would do; athletically, spiritually, academically, and was always their biggest fan. Rita provided genuine true love and would always be there to listen and offer her words of encouragement and sound Christian advice to any and all circumstances. Even though Rita spent many years in the workforce, she was a talented homemaker. One Easter, Rita took to her sewing machine and made 6 outfits for her entire family to wear to church. She loved cooking Sunday dinners and having her entire family at the dinner table, always making sure everyone had plenty and was served before ever taking her seat. Baking pies, cookies, and her special Bunny Cake at Easter, Rita loved family traditions and enjoyed sharing her talents with the family.
Rita modeled many excellent attributes by her actions that have served her family well throughout her life. Rita loved her sisters fiercely. They had a strong bond that would last throughout their entire life. Regular phone calls, special trips, and family gatherings were always important to Rita. The three sisters would never lose their very tight-knit love for one another. This modeling of pure love is something that Rita has instilled in her entire family to this day and set forth an example that is followed by all her children and grandchildren.
Of all Rita’s many roles, responsibilities, and talents, her dedication and love to her husband could not be matched. Jerry and Rita were married very young, as most kids of the 50’s did, and their marriage lasted through the ages. Rita’s marriage would last for 65 years, loving and caring for her Jerry all the way until the very end. Rita’s deep-rooted faith and Christian values gave her the ability to be a wife whose love was modeled by her savior, Jesus Christ. As clearly outlined in scripture, Rita was a true Proverbs 31 wife and mother. Rita was a virtuous woman.
Rita had a faith in Christ that could move mountains. Her faith in Jesus Christ was modeled clearly by her words, deeds, actions, and behavior as a living testimony to all who knew her. Co-workers to this day share strong memories of Rita’s Godly example she was not shy to display to those that she interacted with daily. Rita was always a positive person; never complaining even when she could have from time to time, always making a way to bring out the good in every situation. As Rita struggled with dementia in her final years, she was never robbed of her faith in Jesus Christ, her deep love and devotion to her family, and her desire to care for Jerry until the end.
Rita was a quiet person who did not need to have spotlight or special recognition. Her joy was bringing joy to others. She kept a beautiful home that was always pristine and welcoming. She loved flowers and having them displayed throughout the seasons. She loved cooking and sharing meals with all those that she loved. Giving to others was what brought joy to Rita. Her homemade cheesecake, chocolate pie, lasagna, chicken casserole, dressing balls, and homemade soups were always on standby or could be whipped up at any given notice! This continues today as her family keeps the traditions alive passing down from generation to generation. If you have ever had a piece of Rita’s cheesecake, know that she loved you!
Rita’s love for others will live on through her legacy left behind in the lives of all that knew her. Rita is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by her brother-in-law Danny Gilbert of Circleville & brother-in-law George Kaut of Akron, sister-in-law Teresa (Ruby) Claxon of Florida, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Jerry Lee Ruby, on September 16, 2025. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Ann Gilbert and Marilyn Elaine Kaut, father and mother-in-law Clifford “Pete” & Elsie Ruby, sister-in-law Janet (Ruby) Holcomb, and brothers-in-law Ernie Claxon and Jim Holcomb.
Funeral services will be conducted at Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Pastor Kyle McGraw will be officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg. The family would like to welcome friends from 11:00 am until the start of the funeral service on Friday, December 12 at the funeral home.
Rita’s legacy can be summed up by the scripture of a virtuous woman found in Proverbs 31:10-31. (1) “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. (26) She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. (27) She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. (28) Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. (29) Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. (30) Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. (31) Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
