Ruby Saunders, age 96

Ruby Saunders, age 96, of Forest City, passed away Friday, June 23, 2017.

Born May 6, 1921 in Rutherford County, she was the daughter of the late Romeo Henson and Effie Jane Henson. Ruby worked for the Bendix Corporation in Maryland for many years and also as a bank teller. Ruby was a long-time member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Forest City and was known for her willing spirit to help others and became the "natural" care-giver for her family. She was a true servant of the Lord and volunteered her time and labor of love to the Grace of God Rescue Mission, the surgical waiting room at Rutherford Hospital, Meals on Wheels, the Red Cross and the Church of the Exceptional as well as several other community service organizations.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dayne Saunders; two brothers, Justice and Kelly Henson; four sisters, Maggie Lowery, Ollie Biggerstaff, Jessie McGinnis, Eunice Toms and two nephews, Gene Biggerstaff and Francis Lowery.

Those left to cherish her memory include eight nephews, Kenneth McGinnis of Ellenboro, Bob Lowery of Gilkey, Jim Henson of Albemarle, Donald Toms of Bodega Bay, California, Ron Henson of Lake Lure, Fred Toms of Cary, Gerald Lowery of Rutherfordton and Randy Toms of Spartanburg; five nieces, Kathryn Cooper of Forest City, Carolyn Harrill of Forest City, Joyce Heavner of Shelby, Judy Webb and Rita Dodson both of Ellenboro. She is also survived by her beloved pet, Sandy and by a host of extended family members and friends.

The funeral service was conducted at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Bob Philbeck officiating. Interment followed in Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorial donations are respectfully requested to Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 or to the Grace of God Rescue Mission, PO Box 212, Forest City, NC 28043.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements.