“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord: whether we die, we die unto the Lord;

whether we live therefore or die, we are the Lord’s.”  Roman 14:8

Our beloved Ruby Laury, daughter of the late Robert Wakefield and Rachel Shackford, departed this world on August 26th, 2025, at the age of 79, surrounded by her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished friend, Ruby touched the lives of many with her warmth and kindness.

Ruby Lee was born on February 17th, 1946, in Corcoran, Ca. She graduated from Corcoran High School in 1963 and was crowned Cotton Queen that year in Hanford, Ca. From there she attended San Bernardino Valley College and graduated in 1965 with her associate's degree. Ruby worked for San Bernardino Valley College for 25 years as an Administrative Assistant, and another 10 years with Crafton Hills College, before retiring in 2003.

Ruby, a devoted servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and Savior joined Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in the early 1970's where she was baptized. She sang in the choir and began serving on various committees such as finance, youth event coordinator, janitorial, and transportation until 2003. She enjoyed watching classic cinema and western movies, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and basketball. She also liked to bowl and play volleyball and loved her vanilla ice cream or a good root beer float.  Not to forget she was an exceptional cook, griller, and baker. Got to love her homemade ice cream and cakes!

In June of 2003, Ruby and John married and moved to his hometown Buckingham, VA where they lived out there golden years together, with love, joy, and happiness. She continued on her journey serving Christ, joining Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to serving the Lord in his house and in her daily life, she served him in her community as a community and environmental activist. Ruby and John were affiliated with the Friends Of Buckingham Group, that fought against the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and Buckingham Compressor Station, which both projects were canceled in 2020.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter LeAnn Donnell, and two brothers Mitchell and Anthony Wakefield. Ruby's love for her family was evident in every aspect of her life. She is survived by her husband John; one son Gregory Donnell; three grandchildren, Brittany, Brooke, and Jazmine; six great grandchildren: two brothers, Howard and Edward Wakefield; two sisters, Elaine and Denise Wakefield; sisters-in-law, Gertrude and Mabel Laury; host of nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Her family and friends will always remember her vibrant spirit, infectious laughter, and unwavering faith and support. Ruby's presence is in our hearts and memories will be cherished forever. She leaves behind a legacy of love and an inspiring testament to living life with grace and compassion.