Obituary for Ruby Jewell Maze
Ruby Jewel (Flannery) Maze finished her earthly race on May 25, 2021, and went home to the Lord she loved and served for most of her 92 years. Born the third of seven children to Warren and Austa (Welch) Flannery in Stollings, West Virginia, in 1929, she grew up in eastern Kentucky. There, she met her beloved J.W. Maze, and became his “June bride” on June 30, 1949. They were an inseparable team, working and laughing together, loving to the end. They treasured being best friends and strongest earthly advocates for each other for over 64 years. They taught by example that true love, faithful lasting love, is actually possible.
She was a wonderful mother and friend to their three daughters, and Nana to 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She was a beloved, faithful daughter and sister, daughter-in-law and sister-in-law, and cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews. She loved people, and throughout her life, she was happiest when helping and serving them. She served so many ways: gleefully making her famous home-made donuts, dishing them up at donut parties, delivering thousands of those sweet treats to shut-ins and any others she thought needed some sweetness and cheer; making cornbread for hungry grandkids who felt welcome and safe in her house; caring for elderly Kentucky mountain folks as a social worker; teaching in a one room schoolhouse; long term caregiving for aging and ill family members; encouraging and unconditionally loving whoever Jesus brought across her path; the list goes on and on. She poured out God’s grace, love and kindness on people her whole life.
Even as Alzheimer’s dampened her memory and ability, she continued to cheer and encourage people. She saw the innate beauty and value in people, and helped those around her to see beauty and value in themselves, and glimpse God's great love and grace for them. Even when she didn't know our names, she welcomed us and knew we were hers. In the past three and a half years, she found family in the staff at Franklin House, and showered them with love, encouragement, laughter, hope, and unforgettable expressions of her high esteem for them - “You’re worth a million!” “You’re so beautiful!” “I love you, I do, I do!”
Her currency was love, joy, faithfulness and celebration, and she spent it freely, joyfully, through life. She loved parties and used any occasion to throw all sort of parties for her grandkids – parties for birthdays, Christmas, Easter, camping, donuts, just because any day of the week deserves a party. And today, in heaven, there’s likely a huge welcoming party for her. Won’t she will be delighted!
She will be greatly missed by those who loved her, but her impact will remain. God's unconditional love, poured through her, will echo in our hearts for the rest of our lives.
She was a wonderful mother and friend to their three daughters, and Nana to 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She was a beloved, faithful daughter and sister, daughter-in-law and sister-in-law, and cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews. She loved people, and throughout her life, she was happiest when helping and serving them. She served so many ways: gleefully making her famous home-made donuts, dishing them up at donut parties, delivering thousands of those sweet treats to shut-ins and any others she thought needed some sweetness and cheer; making cornbread for hungry grandkids who felt welcome and safe in her house; caring for elderly Kentucky mountain folks as a social worker; teaching in a one room schoolhouse; long term caregiving for aging and ill family members; encouraging and unconditionally loving whoever Jesus brought across her path; the list goes on and on. She poured out God’s grace, love and kindness on people her whole life.
Even as Alzheimer’s dampened her memory and ability, she continued to cheer and encourage people. She saw the innate beauty and value in people, and helped those around her to see beauty and value in themselves, and glimpse God's great love and grace for them. Even when she didn't know our names, she welcomed us and knew we were hers. In the past three and a half years, she found family in the staff at Franklin House, and showered them with love, encouragement, laughter, hope, and unforgettable expressions of her high esteem for them - “You’re worth a million!” “You’re so beautiful!” “I love you, I do, I do!”
Her currency was love, joy, faithfulness and celebration, and she spent it freely, joyfully, through life. She loved parties and used any occasion to throw all sort of parties for her grandkids – parties for birthdays, Christmas, Easter, camping, donuts, just because any day of the week deserves a party. And today, in heaven, there’s likely a huge welcoming party for her. Won’t she will be delighted!
She will be greatly missed by those who loved her, but her impact will remain. God's unconditional love, poured through her, will echo in our hearts for the rest of our lives.