Ruby Mae Shelton

Ruby Mae Shelton, 90, passed peacefully in her sleep at her home in Greeneville, Tennessee. A longtime resident of the Boones Creek area, Ruby was known for her grit, her heart, and her unmistakable sense of humor.

Born on October 23, 1934, Ruby lived a full and colorful life. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Marian Shelton; her brothers, John, Garnett, and Bud Smith; her sisters, Juanita Moorefield and Betty Howard; her grandson, Jordan Jones; and her son-in-law, Douglas Jones.

Ruby leaves behind a large and loving family who will forever cherish the stories of her gun-totin’ days before she became a granny and her legendary snuggles as a Mamaw. She is survived by her brothers: Herald Smith JR and Tommy Smith, children: Wayne Chambers, David Chambers (Marie), Freddy Chambers (Terri), Sissie Jones, and Erica Honeycutt (John).

She was adored by her grandchildren: David, Amber (Ashley), and Casey Chambers; Paul Chambers (Katie) and Justin Chambers; Logan Johnson (Justin) and Morgan Jones; Billy Coffey (Alexcia), and Cheyenne Hughes (Gage). Her legacy continues through her 21 great-grandchildren: Bentley Chambers; Karmann, Katherine, Alex, David III, Gabriel, Aemilie, and Oliver Chamber; Talia Chambers; Maddox and Kashton Chambers; Isabella, Gabriella, Gabriel, and Lachlan Johnson; Braxton and Brayden Jones; Paetyn and Christian Jones; Emilie and Remington Coffey.

Ruby was a hard worker, proudly employed until the age of 85. Her grandchildren fondly remember flea market adventures and the ever-present scratch-off lottery tickets. She had a spunky spirit that never faded—she didn’t take anything sitting down. She could whip up the meanest mashed potatoes you ever tasted… and occasionally a hot pocket that somehow transformed into a brick.

Her demure demeanor came with age but never hid the spark she carried through the tapestry of her colorful life—a woman full of grace but never without a touch of spunk.

Along with teaching her grandchildren the importance of dessert before dinner, she never failed to remind them about Jesus—how to pray, and to be specific when you pray. Before she lost her husband to cancer, they sold their house and bought an RV, ready to travel. God provided all the things she had asked for—though she’d always laugh that she forgot to ask for gas money. Living out his remaining time in an RV in Johnson City, she proved that happiness is never about the destination but about the journey.

She will be cremated and laid to rest at her late husband’s head—so she can, in her words, “keep an eye on him.” Her fiery spirit, loving heart, and unforgettable stories will live on through all who knew and loved her.

A graveside service, officiated by Donnie Humphrey, will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 18th, at Snyder Memorial Gardens. A celebration of life meal will follow at 2:00 PM at Ivy’s Place, 5074 Bluff City Hwy, Bluff City, TN.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Gentiva Hospice nurses Tammy, Leisa, and April for the care, compassion, and dignity they gave Ruby in her final days.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Snyder’s Memorial is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Ruby Mae Shelton.

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