Ruby Joyce Matlock, 70, Gas, passed away Friday, April 14, 2017, at Via Christi Hospital in Wichita.
She was born Dec. 27, 1946, in Elk City, Okla., the daughter of Efton and Ocie Ketcherside. She had seven brothers, Gene, Huston, Leroy, Don, Elvis, Charley and Gary, and a sister, Linda. The family moved to Atlanta, Kan., in 1952. She attended school there through 10th grade. In 1963 they moved to rural Chanute. She graduated from high school in Thayer in 1965.
After graduation she spent a year in Alaska with her brother Elvis and his family. Later she moved to St. Charles, Mo., and worked for the McDonnell Douglas aircraft company. There she met Don Smith and was united in marriage but later divorced. They had one son, Aaron, and one daughter Julie, who died shortly after birth.
In 2001, Ruby married Bill Matlock and they made their home in Gas. She worked for 30 years at Gates Rubber in Iola before retiring. She enjoyed family, gardening, bird watching, friends, flowers, crocheting and animals.
Ruby is survived by her husband, Bill, of the home, his three children and grandchildren, her son, daughter-in-law and their children, two brothers, one sister and many nieces and nephews. She also is survived by several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law by marriage.
Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, one infant daughter, two nephews and one niece.
Her funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Iola, 16 N. Buckeye St. She will be laid to rest in Earlton Cemetery in Earlton. Contributions in her memory are suggested to the Harry Hines Hospice. Visit www.feuerbornfuneral.com to leave a condolence for the family.
Ruby Matlock
