Ruby May King Gilbert was born November 28, 1922 to Thomas and Lola King on the King farm east of Gerster, Missouri. She passed away January 11, 2013 at Truman Lake Manor in Lowry City, Missouri.
Ruby was raised on the same farm with eight other children, including her twin brother, Rueben. She attended Arkansas School, a one-room schoolhouse near Gerster and received an 8th grade diploma.
On December 25, 1940 she was united in marriage to Louis (Russell) Gilbert. They lived in Osceola, Missouri area almost all of their marriage, where they raised their three children. They were very active in the St. Clair County Saddle Club and were officers for several years.
Ruby worked many places in Osceola, including the school as cook and the Tastee Freeze Drive-In, which she and Russell owned and operated. Later she worked at Littels’ Grocery and then many years in food service at Sac-Osage Hospital. She retired from the hospital at the age of 72.
Ruby accepted Christ as her savior as child and was baptized at the Christian Church in Weaubleau, Missouri. She served in many capacities in church throughout her life. Early in adulthood she was a member of the First Christian Church of Osceola. Later she joined the First Assembly of God in Osceola and remained a member for over 30 years. She is remembered by many as a loving and caring Sunday School Teacher and Missonettes Leader.
Ruby is survived by her children, Anita May Bennett, Osceola, Louis Ray Gilbert and wife, Joyce, Battlefield, Missouri, and Barbara Kay Prike, Osceola, one brother, Lee Oliver King of Pacific, Missouri, 10 grand children, 22 great grand children, one great-great grandson, and many nieces and nephews and friends.
Her mother and father preceded her in death as well as her husband Russell, seven of her brothers and sisters, son in-law Val Jean Bennett, and a special grandson Louis Ray Gilbert, Jr.
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