GRAVES, RUBY AILOR - of Maynardville, born August 12, 1920, passed away Monday July 29, 2013. She is the last surviving charter member of Ailor Dale Baptist Church which her family helped to establish. In later years, she served as Clerk and Sunday School Teacher. Ruby was the youngest of seven born and raised on a farm in Union County by parents, Franklin Lafeyette and Ettie Wilder Ailor. She wanted as much education as possible and walked across Buffalo Ridge alone on many occasions to Raccoon Valley Grammar School. Later she walked four miles each way to ride a school bus to Horace Maynard High School. After graduation, she lived with a sister in Fountain City and graduated from Knoxville Business College. Her first job was Miller's Department Store. Her mother taught her to sew, cook and carpentry and she used this instruction throughout her life. Ruby was a talented woman and worked in many crafts, oil and water color paintings. She designed, pieced and quilted family quilts for her family and was once featured in the Heartland Series with Bill Landry, Volume XI, in Rug Braiding. She and husband, operated Leo and Ruby's Grocery in the 40's and Graves Motor Company in the 50's. Ruby was a giving person and helpful to her neighbors and community. She could be seen most days out and about in her Volkswagen Beetle. Ruby and Leo loved to camp and made several long trips in their campmobile. They also loved old time string music and was host to many jam sessions at their home. As a grandmother she was very active in the lives of her grandsons and took them on many long trips. Leo and Ruby's home was the gathering place for family and friends. Ruby had a special love for holidays and reunions that included 30-60 relatives. Ruby was a member of Hubbs Grove Homemakers Club for over 50 years, served on board of Farm Bureau and member of Smoky Mountain Model A Club 30 years. Preceded in death by husband, Leo Graves; parents, Franklin and Ettie Wilder Ailor; brothers and sisters in law, Jennings, (Flossie), (Mildred), Robert and (Deborah) Ailor, Kenneth (Helen) Ailor; sisters and brothers in law, Ora (Isham) Graham, Elsie (Jay) Davis, Cecia Metler (David) Phibbs. Survivors: daughter and son in law, Judy (Jimmy) Sexton; grandsons and wives, Jimmy F. (Angie) Sexton, Michael (Louise) Sexton, Stacey Sexton; great granddaughters, Jessica, Sarah, Emily Sexton. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Douglas Leahy, Tennova Hospice, caretakers Carolyn McBee and Pat Nicely. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the charity of your choice in Ruby's name. The family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 Wednesday with a celebration of life to follow at 8:00 p.m. in Byrds Chapel Elder John Robbins officiating. Family and friends will meet at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Byrds Mortuary to proceed to Lynnhurst Cemetery for an 11:00 a.m. graveside service. Pallbearers: Jimmy F., Michael and Stacey Sexton, Harold Dyer, Steve Metler, and Guy Papenhausen. Honorary Pallbearers: Smoky Mountain Model A Club. Ruby is gone from our sight but will not be forgotten. She has entered a new city, a new life. Byrds Mortuary Maynardville. Online condolences can be made at www.byrdsmortuary.com








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Published in Knoxville News Sentinel on July 31, 2013
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