Ruby McConnaughey

Ruby Fern (Hays) McConnaughey, 75, El Dorado Springs, passed away in the early morning hours of Nov. 2, 2017. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Ruby was born Aug. 8, 1942, in her home in St. Clair County, the daughter of Lester Hays and Amy (Mann) Hays. Growing up, times were hard. One of seven children, she learned to work hard and do without.

On July 14, 1962, she married Gene McConnaughey, the love of her life. They raised six children and spent 37 happy years together, until Gene’s passing in 1999.

Ruby worked hard all her life in many different occupations. She spent many happy years at Cedar County Memorial Hospital as a dietician. She loved cooking for the patients and staff. She was famous for her peanut butter cookies. That wonderful aroma wafted down the hallways and all the staff knew they better get in line or they would miss out on Ruby’s cookies.

She spent many happy years babysitting many of the children of El Dorado Springs. She treated each of them as her own. She loved them all dearly and they loved her.

Her hobbies were gardening, cooking (her fried chicken will be dearly missed) and quilting. She spent many happy hours stitching quilts for those she loved. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all received a product of that love.

Ruby was a member of Community Church in El Dorado Springs. It was there that she was saved in 2015.

Preceding Ruby in death were her husband, Gene; her parents; four sisters – Beverly, Eva Scotten, Carolyn Morerod and Judy Spencer; two brothers-in-law, Rhiney Morerod and Steve Spencer; one sister-in-law, Claudine Hays; son, Gary; daughter, Janice; and grandson, Lance.

Survivors include: brother, Glen, and wife, Alberta, of Walker; brother, Gene, of El Dorado Springs;  two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Pettibon and Gin Moberly; son, Evan, and wife, Cindy; son, Steve, and friend, Cyndee; son, Bud, and wife, Becky; and daughter Tammy, all of El Dorado Springs. She is survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, Nov. 4, in Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Rev. Brent Bland officiating. Granddaughter, Emily Shinn sang two beautiful hymns. Ruby was laid to rest beside her husband, Gene, in the Clintonville Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to the El Dorado Springs Senior Center and left at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at www.blandhackleman.com.