Ruby Pearl Russell Taylor

Ruby P. Taylor of Price, TXRuby Pearl Russell Taylor, 95, gently passed away December 30, 2012 at Henderson Health and Rehab Center. She was born February 7, 1917 in Crawford County, Illinois of Walter Elwood Russell & Mary Ann Stratton. At nearly 96 years of age, Ruby?s life witnessed 40% of the history of the great country she lived in. Growing up in Illinois she did indeed often walk to school in the snow; and being a member of a large family, she often fell victim to the loving pranks and teases of brothers and sisters that enriched her childhood. Upon leaving her pastoral mid-western home in the local oil fields near Oblong, IL to visit her sister near Haynesville, LA, she came across a fellow by the name of Neal Taylor who presumed to court and charm a ring onto her finger. It was a marriage began on earth but touched with the blessings of heaven. Enticed by the pull of the East Texas oilfield the Taylor family joined many other oil immigrants and moved to Price in July of 1939. They became members of the Carlisle Baptist Church and raised their family amongst the wonderful folks of that busy little town. Ruby loved to crochet and make afghans for her grandchildren --- gifts that served to warm both themselves and their hearts. She and Neal loved playing Rook and Canasta with friends. Her cooking was fantastic and her home was spotless. Lullabies and Volume 17 of the old Harvard Classics were among her repertoire for teaching her children the love of a mother, the love of music, and the love of reading. Their children enjoyed summer vacations to Louisiana and to Illinois and learned to love the Strand and Palace theaters in Henderson. Ruby was the last of her generation on either side of her family. She closed out their earthly venture with the class that characterized her Christian life --- a life that was exemplary to all those who encountered her and a life that touched and enlivened the many descendants that scampered about her throughout their budding lives. Ruby is predeceased by her son Michael Bruce Taylor (1949), grandson Barry Lanne Taylor (1994), husband Neal N. Taylor (1997), daughter Ramona Jean Taylor Franklin (1998), and granddaughter Kimberly Kaye Taylor (2009). Survivors include: Son, Gary E. Taylor of Price, TX; Son, Kenneth N. Taylor, and wife Caren, of Richardson, TX - Grandson Michael Bruce Taylor of Taylorville, NC - Granddaughters Deborah Franklin Cartwright, and husband Pat, of Salt Lake City, UT; Sherri Franklin Creighton of Pleasanton, CA; Cindi Franklin Cundiff, and husband Steven, of Salt Lake City, UT; Michele Franklin of St. Louis, MO; Leesa Franklin Huckabee, and husband Kevin, of Tyler, TX; Denise Franklin Bardsley, and husband Kenneth, of Arp, TX; Chalease Franklin Denson, and husband Matt, of Tyler, TX; Teri Taylor of Reston, VA; Kristi Taylor of Alexandria, VA; and Erin Taylor Nelson, and husband Jonathon, of Ft. Worth, TX. In addition, there are 24 great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Services celebrating the incredible life of Ruby Taylor will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Crawford - A. Crim Funeral Home, 1414 South Main St, Henderson, TX with Rev. Mike Simpson officiating. Interment will follow at Duncan Cemetery under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home of Henderson. Visitation is scheduled for 6:00 to 8:00 pm Friday evening. Friends and relatives are invited to send memories of Ruby to ken.taylor5@aol.com & gary.taylor.gt@aol.com , or online at www.crawfordacrim.com. They will be warmly received with gratitude.

Ruby Pearl Russell Taylor

February 2, 1917 - December 30, 2012