Ruby Armes Freels

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Ruby Armes Freels. She was a daughter, a sister, a mother, a grandmother, a future great-grandmother, and a great friend. She was born on August 5, 1931, in Frost Bottom, Tennessee. Her mom and dad were Standish and Pearl Armes. When she was a little girl she and her family moved to Marlow, Tennessee. When Ruby graduated from Clinton High School she went to work as a telephone operator in Harriman, Tennessee.

Ruby lived in Harriman where she met the love of her life, H M Freels. They were married on December 31, 1954 and enjoyed a very happy married life until H M’s death in 2015. Ruby is survived by two children, Dr. Gloria Freels McElroy (Doug) of Knoxville, Tennessee and Major D. Michael Freels (Ret.) (Robin) of Chuckey, Tennessee. She is also survived by her cherished granddaughter, Merritt Marie Boling (Cody) and expectant great-grandson, William Gilbert Boling of Martinsville, Indiana. In addition, Ruby is survived by her sister, Mrs. Stella Morgan of Oliver Springs, TN. Ruby was lucky enough to have a large extended family of nieces and nephews of which many were able to attend her 90th birthday party just two months ago. Her laughter and the pure enjoyment of love on that great day was such an example of how important she found her family.

She loved being a homemaker and made life-long friends through the State of Tennessee extension service which we always called “Home Demonstrating.” Ruby was elected to every office in Home Demonstrating including being President of Knox County Home Demonstration numerous times. Just three weeks ago, she canned two bushels of green beans and put-up tomatoes her blessed friends, Jim and Marie Buchanan, gave her. Even more than the love of her family she found her Christian faith to be the most important.

She believed in the saving power of Jesus Christ Almighty. Ruby was a long-time member of First Baptist Church, Concord, Tennessee where she found many avenues in which to serve. Her personal relationship with Christ was clearly seen through the love she showed to others, with her family, in the sunshine of her smile, the practicality of her faith and her wicked sense of humor. Her celebration of life will be at Berry Highland West Funeral Home on Sherrill Blvd at 11 AM. The Reverend Scott Williams will lead the service. Mr. Cody Boling will sing to the Glory of God. Please dress for comfort as the service will be outside.

Live streaming of the service will be provided on the Berry Highland West Facebook page. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BerryHighlandWest.com for the Freels family.