Ruby Ann Taylor Brown Stroud

Ruby Ann Taylor Brown Stroud, born November 22, 1942, to the late George W. and Anna M. (Sprinkle) Taylor passed from this earth on May 3, 2024, at 2:48 p.m. with her family by her side. There is no way to encompass the beauty of this woman into a few simple sentences. Ruby was the greatest mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, friend, care giver, supporter, as well as the epitome of strength and resilience and the one person everyone could count on for any reason! Ruby was the 4^th of eight children, and the youngest girl of the family. As a young lady, she helped care for her younger brothers, whom she affectionately referred to as “the boys”. Ruby was born and raised in the Urbana, Ohio area. In 1960 she married Otis “Donnie” Brown and together they had 6 children, all of whom survive. LeRoy (Brenda) Brown, Connie Francis, Donna Holbrook, Terry Brown, Deloras (Joseph Mills) Karus, and Loretta (Mike) Stroud, as well as her son in law Jim Holbrook and her children’s half-brother Timothy Brown. She is also survived by her grandchildren who she loved with her whole heart: Jackie, Randy and Michael Brown, Vince Brown, Eddie Kemp, JoAnna Castle, Wanda Lane, Tondra Bartow, James and Robert Holbrook, Melissa Keller, Jeff and Jamie Wick, and Alexis, Andrew, and Taylor Stroud. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter Shelby Brown, and step granddaughters Julie Bloomfield and Megan Karus as well as son in law Jim Francis and daughter in law, Karen Brown. She is survived by two of “the boys” her brothers, Tom Taylor and Ralph Taylor. The remaining siblings all preceded her in death: Kenneth Taylor, Bernice Spellman, Goldie Simpson, Gordon Taylor, and Steve Taylor. Ruby also has 34 Great-Grandchildren, 14 Great-Great Grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

 Ruby and Donnie divorced in 1973 and Ruby busted her hind end, working tirelessly to raise her kids and make sure their needs were met. She worked at Yeasel’s, Rockwell International, D.A.B. and Honda, where she retired from in 2003. When Ruby’s children were all grown and married, and she was in her 50’s, she met and married John Stroud who passed away in 2006. Ruby always put her family first, she went without so many things to make sure her kids didn’t go without. She said her role as a mom was the best job she ever had, until she became a grandma, and she was the best, most loving, caring, giving, sharing mom and grandma anyone could hope to have. Ruby’s children and grandchildren were the greatest loves of her life. She was also a favorite aunt to many. She loved to grow flowers, with Lilly’s, Iris’s and Peonies being her favorites. Ruby also loved puzzles and reading Western Novels. Although she would say she didn’t like to shop, she could turn a quick trip to the store into a grueling all day event! She always loved attending family gatherings, and just spending time with her family was so important to her. The loss of this beautiful human will forever change the world for so many people. The love and pride Ruby had for her family could fill an ocean and the void left behind by this magnificent woman will never be filled.

 Visitation will be from 12-2 p.m. on Monday, May 6, 2024, at the Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, 210 W. Hayes Street in DeGraff, where Pastor Shelley Stephenson will officiate a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Greenwood-Union Cemetery in DeGraff, Ohio.  

 DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME, DEGRAFF is honored to serve Ruby’s family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.