Obituary of Ruby Mae Edwards

Born May 11,1939, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Ruby Mae Jewell Edwards, was a woman of strength and kindness. The daughter of Harry Garfield and Mary Freehling Jewell, Ruby’s early life was defined by relocation — moving from Michigan to Arizona and then finally to Texas. Her childhood taught her independence and strength as she cared for her younger sister, Judy, throughout her mother’s periods of poor health. Education played an important role in Ruby’s life. Throughout her many moves, books became Ruby’s constant and faithful companion, sparking her love of education, literature, and learning. She was awarded the honor of Valedictorian of the 1957 graduating high school class in Ingleside, Texas, and was offered a scholarship to Texas Women’s University. In 1971, Ruby began working for Pearland Independent School District, where she would go on to give 33 years in service to the students and families of her community. Literature was a lifeblood to Ruby; whether it was making sure there were always books available for the curious grandchild or donating to the local elementary school to fill its library, she did all she could to make sure every child had access to the magic in books. Ruby married Ronald Lloyd Edwards on August 24, 1957, and soon after started a family. The young couple, along with their three boys, moved frequently around south Texas before settling in Pearland in 1968. Ruby found great joy in her family and was never happier than when we all found ourselves spread across her living room, laughing and joking together. She was our biggest fan. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Garfield and Mary Freehling Jewell, her brother, Gene Jewell, and her beloved husband Ronald Lloyd Edwards. She is survived by her sister, Judy Waldron, and her three sons Mike Edwards, Mark Edwards and wife Susan, and Dan Edwards and wife Marsha. Ruby is ever-loved by four grandchildren, Valerie Pearson and husband Luke, Johnathan Edwards, Kristen Edwards, and Seane Faulkner and husband Sam, and five great-grandchildren, Jack Pearson, Sam Pearson, Grace Pearson, Ava Pearson, and William Edwards, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.