Ruby was the seventh of nine children born to Charles E. and Mable E. Rowse in Mt. Blanco, Texas on October 7, 1923. All her siblings have preceded her in death.

She married her high school sweetheart, Cleo Simmons, on May 20, 1939. They were both 15 years old. Ruby and Cleo worked on the farm and cared for the livestock.

Ruby taught Sunday School in Muleshoe, Crosbyton, and Ralls for over 60 years, including teaching a few of her grandchildren. For over 30 years, she taught Sunday School in both the Crosbyton and Ralls nursing homes. In 1962, at the age of 39, she attended beauty school and finished at the top of her class. She owned and operated a beauty shop, Ruby's Beauty Nook, in Crosbyton, working into her late 80s.

She lost her sweetheart on Valentine's Day 2017. They were married over 77 years. She is also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Gary Mitchell, and two great grandchildren, Ryan Parrish and Shelbi Raye McClure.

She is survived by two daughters, Janice Mitchell and Ruby Kaye Dewbre and husband, Jacky Dewbre all of Crosbyton. Lovingly known as MeMa, Ruby is survived by her 7 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 44 great, great grandchildren, and 2 great, great, great grandchildren.