Ruby & Max Rice

Ruby went home to the Lord on September 17, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Hermleigh, Texas on October 26, 1937, to John Odus and Henrietta Pauline (Jackson) Davison. As a kid Rudy loved to fish. She also spent many days outdoors enjoying the sunshine and learning to garden from other family members. As she grew up, Ruby would always check the garden bins at every store to find a good deal on plants or flowers. Soon Ruby was blessed to meet the love of her life when she called into a radio program and spoke with Max Royce Rice. They decided to meet for coffee and that meeting turned into a marriage on May 15, 1978, and 45 wonderful years together. Max was a house painter that grew up in the Stephenville area and had a very artistic touch. Before meeting Ruby, Max honorably served this country by joining the Navy and completing a tour in Vietnam. Together they opened a café in the Tundra area that allowed Ruby to show off her love of cooking all dishes from scratch. During their free time they would go to garage sales and find treasures to restore or Ruby would crotchet and prepare for the holidays which she loved. Later in life, Ruby would take daily trips to Wal-Mart to walk around the store and visit with all the employees who she knew by name and called her beloved friends.

Ruby is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Max; their son, John Rice; mother, Pauline Wilburn and step-father, Grady Wilburn; sister, Brenda Horrell; brothers: Billy Davison, Franklin Davison and Donnie Wilburn.

She is survived by her cherished daughters: Kay Cowell and Phil, Glenda Woods and George, Tammie Lambert and Dr. Chris, Tracy Rice; 7 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; sister, Debbie Shockley and Jim; brothers: Mikey Wilburn, Dewain Wilburn; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mikey Wilburn, Dewain Wilburn, Dr. George Woods, Jason Cowell, Jeffrey Horrell and George Woods.

Visitation will begin 1 hour prior to service.