Obituary of Ruby Delores McMurtry

Today, we celebrate the life of Ruby Delores (Hines) McMurtry. Ruby was born January 31, 1927, in Richland, New Jersey to the late Purdy and Viola Hines. Ruby was educated in the Buena Vista School District. She loved to read to increase her knowledge. Adventurous Ruby moved from New Jersey to live in Pennsylvania and New York for several years. Ruby returned to New Jersey to find that it was the place for her. On February 14, 1953 (Valentine's Day), she was joined in holy matrimony to John William McMurtry. They were blessed with three children. Years later Ruby became a single parent. She was a loving caring mother who wanted her children to be educated and have the finer things in life. So, she worked four jobs at the same time for several years to support her family. Being a strong woman she would walk miles before 6:30 a.m. to catch a ride to work. She worked as a domestic, did catering, private duty nursing, and was an institutional aid at Anchora Psychiatric Hospital. She was employed at Anchora Psychiatric Hospital for more than thirty years until she retired in October 1990. While working at Anchora Psychiatric Hospital she acquired many friends. Ruby joined Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church where she accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age under the pastorate of the late Reverend Turner. She was a faithful member who sang in the rosebud and children's choir at an early age; was active in Sunday School; worked with the church nursing unit, missionaries; and kitchen committee, she was also appointed to the Mother’s Board in 2014. She received several church honors which included having the church dining hall named the Ruby D. McMurtry Auditorium. Ruby was known for her generosity and hospitality. She loved to cook and eat. Whenever visiting her home, you would never leave empty-handed whether it was food, clothing or just a laugh. Ruby was often told by her children that she missed her calling by not going to Hollywood to pursue a career in acting and stand-up comedy. Ruby was known for being straight-up, direct and pulling no punches. Many would come and sit on her porch and absorb the wisdom and knowledge she bestowed upon them. Wednesdays were especially meaningful to her as she looked forward to joining her friends and neighbors at the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center. On Wednesday morning, October 29, 2014, God in His infinite wisdom called Ruby home. She is predeceased by two sons, Robert Purdy Hines and Tony McMurtry; brother, Robert Hines, and sister, Brenda Langford. Ruby leaves to cherish her memories, one daughter, Jacqueline McMurtry (Conrad) of Sicklerville, NJ; one sister, Wilhelmina Hammond of Mableton, GA; two sister-in laws, Ruth Pritchett and Gwendolyn Only; six grandchildren, Adrienne Posley of Miami, FL; Sonya Cook of Mayslanding, NJ; Von Cook of Ocean City, NJ; Nicole Bryson of Sicklerville, NJ; Eboni Hines-Buckman (Michael) of Vineland, NJ; Tony McMurtry, Jr. of Michigan; twelve great grandchildren, Michelle, Mario, Terria, John, Jr., Julian, Nyshawn, Jeffrey, Gianna, Myka, Emari, Amya, and Jaeden; one aunt, Mrs. Evelyn Hunter; goddaughter, Pauline Phillips; a loving caring cousin Henry ( Bobo) William Aikens III; special long-time friend Joan Linder, and close friend Johnnie Mae Clements, son-in-the Lord, Pastor W. David Mozelle, Jr.; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.