Palestine, Texas - A celebration of life for Ruby Dugan Gray will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Friendship Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 1:00pm with the service following at 2:00. Duane Neel, Edwin Bowman, and Lynn Stroud will officiate. Burial will follow at Liberty Cemetery in Bradford, under the direction of Bailey and Foster Funeral Home. Ruby Dugan Gray entered into eternal rest on May 25, 2025, at the age of 100, peacefully at home. She was born on October 16, 1924, to John William Dugan and Lora Lavada Thornton. At the age of four, Ruby and her family moved by covered wagon to the Springfield area and finally made their homeplace in Blackfoot, where she was raised in a humble, hard-working farming family—a foundation that shaped her lifelong values of perseverance, independence, and quiet strength. A devoted mother and tireless provider, Ruby raised her three children on her own. She worked diligently to build a home, buy land for her family, and create a life rooted in love, faith, and determination. Her iconic little yellow house on the corner, surrounded by vibrant flower beds and filled with the smell of home-cooked meals, was her greatest possession and a cherished gathering place for family—especially on Sundays after church. Halloween nights were made extra special when everyone in the neighborhood knew to stop by and snag one of her famous popcorn balls. Ms. Ruby—or "Mamaw" to her grandchildren—was no stranger to life's hardships. She lived through the Great Depression, both World Wars, and countless personal losses. Yet, through every trial, her Christian faith never wavered. A devoted member of Friendship Baptist Church for over seventy years, she served faithfully in many roles and was known for bringing her signature chicken and dumplings to church potlucks. Her friendships in the church sustained her, and her unwavering faith in Christ anchored her life. Ruby was a woman of simple means and steadfast values. She made her living working for Kroger and retired after 30 years of service. She was a skilled gardener, an exceptional cook, gifted quilter and seamstress, and an independent spirit who push-mowed her yard well into her 90s. Ruby's kind and gentle spirit extended to all, including her beloved pets.She cooked for them as she did for her family, ensuring that even her pets were treated with love and care. Even as age took its toll, she remained determined and self-sufficient, living independently until the age of 100. At that same remarkable age, she even voted in the last presidential election—an inspiring reflection of her enduring independence and civic pride. The last four years of her life were spent in Berryville, across the street from her daughter, Linda, in a house that even at an older age she quickly added her personal touches and landscaping skills to create yet another beautiful place to call home. When she left her home in Blackfoot, she brought two tiny saplings. She planted her "Blackfoot trees," at her new Berryville home, and they have already developed into flourishing shade trees as just one sign of the many lasting improvements she made during her lifetime. Her 100th birthday, celebrated just this past October, was a beautiful tribute to a century of grace, grit, and Godly living—surrounded by her family and church community who loved her dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents; all of her siblings; an infant daughter, her two sons, Carol Gene Gray and Jerry "Hopper" Gray; daughter-in-law, Jerry Lynda Satterwhite Gray; son-in-law, Reverend William Blanton; grandchildren, Kim Sanders and James Gray, and countless church friends who have gone on before her. Left to cherish her memory is her devoted daughter, Linda Ann Blanton of Berryville; her grandchildren, Laurie Jordan (Trey) of Blackfoot, Jody Gray (Bailey) of Blackfoot, Kasey Harris (Monica) of San Antonio, Jason Sanders of Rogers, AR., and Wendy Gray of Bradford; great-grandchildren: Cody Sanders (Makayla) of Berryville, AR, Taylor Sanders of Rogers, AR., Peyton Jordin (Graham) of Rogers, AR., Brittany Gray of Cayuga, Tiffany Gray of Fairfield, Jamie Gray of Bradford, Dalton Gray of Palestine, Braxton and Nate Harris of San Antonio, Toby and Maci Jordan of Blackfoot, Alexis (Dylan) Willis of Bullard, Jacob Gray of Blackfoot, and Lexi Bishop of Dallas; 8 great great grandchildren, multiple cousins, extended family, her loving church family; and a community blessed by her example of hard work, faith, and quiet resilience. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Jason Sanders, Trey Jordan, Jody Gray, Cody Sanders, Dalton Gray, Toby Jordan, and Jacob Gray. Finally, her family would like to extend a great appreciation to her caregiver, Mrs. LaTona Thomas, who helped Linda tremendously the last few months. And to all our family and friends that loved Ms. Ruby over all the many years.....God is with us during difficult times. Being a part of a community of faith provides us with a safety net of people who are ready to help. We thank God for our faith family that has always surrounded us. For anyone that wishes to express condolences in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friendship Baptist Church building fund 7220 FM 860 Montalba, Texas 75853

To view online leave condolences or sign the guest book go to HYPERLINK "http://www.baileyandfoster" www.baileyandfoster funeral home.com.