Ruby Cecil Stanford was born in Tipton, OK on March 8,1933 to the late Cecil Rhodes Sr. and Viola DeHorney Rhodes. The Rhodes family moved to Texas and made Denison their home. Ruby received her education at Terrell School. She went on to become a Nursing Aide at McDonald Hospital, and later went to work at Texoma Medical Center for 6 years. Ruby also worked for Texas Instruments as a Line Tech. In 1980, Ruby met John Stanford, and the two would marry on June 5, 1981. Two years later, John officially retired her from working, and she became a housewife.
During her past time, Ruby enjoyed shopping for hats, purses, and shoes. She was a fashionable and gracious woman who always had a smile on her face. She taught her daughters to take pride in themselves, to dress modestly and always be respectful. Ruby received Christ at an early age and was a proud member of Mt Zion Baptist Church in Denison for many years. She was a faithful worshiper and served as “Mother of the Church” until her health started to fail. On the evening of Monday, December 5th, 2022, while in the comfort of her home surrounded by family, Ruby answered the Heavenly Masters call, to come unto him from her labor to reward.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Viola Rhodes, her husband, John Stanford, a brother, Ernest Rhodes, two sisters, Vivian Rhodes and Mattie Clark, and a special niece Sherry Jackson. Left to embrace the unforgettable memories are her sons, James Hull, Bobby Stone Jr., and a special son, Leroy Lewis. Her daughters, Sheila Hall, Gloria Caywood (Jim), Gwen Jones (Talmon Sr.) and Vivian Gaines. Brothers, Cecil Rhodes Jr. (Arnella), Kenneth Rhodes and Robert Rhodes. Then her sisters Rosie Hill, Jean Riddick and Patricia Mansillas (Manuel).
A sister-in-law, Elouise White. Two special nephews, Stevie Potts and Lester Riddick. Two special nieces, Stephanie Pough and Nikki Byers. 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. She will truly be missed by many. Ruby will slumber in the Mahogany room at Cravens Funeral Home on Friday from 10:00am until 6:00pm. A Celebration of her life will be held at 12noon on Saturday, December 10th, at New Hope Christian Church Fellowship in Denison. Personal condolences can be made online at www. cravensfuneralhome.com.
