Ruby Cornelia Arnold

Ruby Arnold (Granny Ruby), 98, of 6419 Lexington Road, Rayle, Georgia passed away on November 30, 2023 at Echols Personal Care Home after an extended illness.

Ruby was born on December 28, 1924 to the late Charlie McEhannon and Julia Pearl Whittington in the Courtground community of Wilkes County. She was the oldest of twelve children and helped raise her siblings after her parents were killed in a car accident when she was 13 years old. She attended school in Rayle, Georgia and was later employeed by Royal Manufacturing Company and Quiet Oaks Healthcare. Ruby was a lifelong member of Rock United Methodist Church.

Ruby married the love of her life, the late Lester Tony Arnold, and together they built a loving family. With Lester by her side, Ruby navigated the joys and challenges of raising four wonderful children. Her children, Charles Lester (Stickum) Arnold, Betty Ann Arnold, Ellen Arnold Berry, and Mary Grace Owen, were the light of her life. Ruby poured her heart and soul into providing them with a nurturing and supportive upbringing.

Ruby was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She helped take care of grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ruby had the kindest nature and never hesitated to help others in any way she could. She gave a home to numerous family members when they had no other place to call home. She will be fondly remembered for her sweet demeanor and willingness to help others I need. Ruby's selflessness and compassion touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible impression on everyone she encountered. She loved everyone.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Gerald Owen, of Rosman, NC; a brother, Dr James McElhannon, of Springfield, MO; four grandchildren, Kim Berry, of Rayle, GA, David Owen, of Bonifay, FL; Chuck Berry and wife Julie, of Washington, GA; Lamar Berry and wife Kay, of Rayle, GA and numerous great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and one great great great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Pearl McElhannon, her husband; Lester Tony Arnold, a son; Charles Lester (Stickum) Arnold, two daughters; Betty Ann Arnold and Ellen Arnold Berry, a granddaughter; Rhonda Owen and her siblings; Dorothy Callaway, Faye Johnson, Martha Williford, Nell Hubbard, Sally Mae Arnold, and Emily McElhannon.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm, Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Hopkins Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jim Newsome officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Bethesda Cemetery.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

The family would like to thank Pruitt Health, Echols Personal Care Home, her niece Ruby Booth and Bristol Hospice for their compassionate care during her final years.

The family will receive family and friends at the home of Kim Berry in Rayle, GA.