Ruby L. <I>Henderson</I> Sutton

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Ruby L. Henderson Sutton

Birth
Mississippi, USA
Death
18 Sep 2015 (aged 82)
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa, USA
Burial
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
View Source
Parents: Catherine Henderson
Spouse: James Sutton

Obituary: Behr's Funeral Home (www.behrfuneralhome.com)

Ruby L. Sutton, age 82, of Dubuque, IA, passed away peacefully at 7:10 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2015, at home surrounded by her loving family. To honor Ruby's life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2015, at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 1199 Main Street, with Rev. John Taylor officiating. To celebrate Ruby's life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2015, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Ruby was born on November 16, 1932, in Mississippi, daughter of Catherine Henderson.

Ruby was united in marriage to James Sutton on May 31, 1952, in Mississippi. They were blessed with 63 loving years together and 8 adoring children. Ruby was a woman of very strong faith, who believed deeply in God, was obedient to Him and always trusted in His word. She carried out the assignment He had given her until her final days. You may remember her saying "You don't have a heaven or hell to put me in, and I know what God wants me to do." This is a true testament of her family life, career and the countless people she helped; she never turned anyone away. When Ruby realized it was her time to go home to be with God, she did not resist; instead she embraced His plan and laid out specific instructions for her doctor and family. She passed away peacefully and was truly pain free through her transition into eternal life. Ruby was a determined advocate for equal rights and proudly stood up for justice and equality for all people. She always fought the good fight and was fearless of any opposition she would have to face. Ruby devoted her entire working career to helping others; she was often called the Mother Theresa of Operation New View and eventually retired after 50 faithful years of service. Ruby helped pave the way for racial reconciliation within the community, was president of the Dubuque Chapter of NAACP and served on the Human Rights Commission for 25 years. She received the First Citizen Award in 1984 and in 2010 was inducted in the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame. The obvious impact Ruby had on our world will be felt for generations to come. Her love for God, family and others was continually on display for all to see. The example she's left behind will be forever remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege to know and love her.

Ruby is survived by

her loving husband of 63 years,
James Sutton, Dubuque, IA;

her children,
David Sutton,
Kathy Sutton,
Lynn Sutton,
Allen Sutton,
and Daniel Sutton, all of Dubuque, IA;

her six grandchildren,
Maria (Suzette) Sutton, Jay (Melissa) Sutton, Vanessa L. Williams, Jessica Sutton, Kevin Williams Jr., and Nathan Williams;

her twelve great-grandchildren,
Tayah, Mason, J.J., LaTrease, Ezeikel, Elijah, Ja'Kam, Namar'rah, Lakelyn, Landon, Jordan and Zariah;

a daughter-in-law,
Elsa Sutton, Dubuque, IA;

and a brother,
Walter Johnson, Chicago, IL.

Ruby was preceded in death by her mother, Catherine; a daughter, Connie Sutton; and two sons, James Sutton Jr. and Gary Sutton.

A Ruby L. Sutton memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Dr. Garrett Ridgley and the nurses and staff from Above and Beyond Hospice for their kind and compassionate care of Ruby.
Parents: Catherine Henderson
Spouse: James Sutton

Obituary: Behr's Funeral Home (www.behrfuneralhome.com)

Ruby L. Sutton, age 82, of Dubuque, IA, passed away peacefully at 7:10 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2015, at home surrounded by her loving family. To honor Ruby's life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2015, at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 1199 Main Street, with Rev. John Taylor officiating. To celebrate Ruby's life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2015, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Ruby was born on November 16, 1932, in Mississippi, daughter of Catherine Henderson.

Ruby was united in marriage to James Sutton on May 31, 1952, in Mississippi. They were blessed with 63 loving years together and 8 adoring children. Ruby was a woman of very strong faith, who believed deeply in God, was obedient to Him and always trusted in His word. She carried out the assignment He had given her until her final days. You may remember her saying "You don't have a heaven or hell to put me in, and I know what God wants me to do." This is a true testament of her family life, career and the countless people she helped; she never turned anyone away. When Ruby realized it was her time to go home to be with God, she did not resist; instead she embraced His plan and laid out specific instructions for her doctor and family. She passed away peacefully and was truly pain free through her transition into eternal life. Ruby was a determined advocate for equal rights and proudly stood up for justice and equality for all people. She always fought the good fight and was fearless of any opposition she would have to face. Ruby devoted her entire working career to helping others; she was often called the Mother Theresa of Operation New View and eventually retired after 50 faithful years of service. Ruby helped pave the way for racial reconciliation within the community, was president of the Dubuque Chapter of NAACP and served on the Human Rights Commission for 25 years. She received the First Citizen Award in 1984 and in 2010 was inducted in the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame. The obvious impact Ruby had on our world will be felt for generations to come. Her love for God, family and others was continually on display for all to see. The example she's left behind will be forever remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege to know and love her.

Ruby is survived by

her loving husband of 63 years,
James Sutton, Dubuque, IA;

her children,
David Sutton,
Kathy Sutton,
Lynn Sutton,
Allen Sutton,
and Daniel Sutton, all of Dubuque, IA;

her six grandchildren,
Maria (Suzette) Sutton, Jay (Melissa) Sutton, Vanessa L. Williams, Jessica Sutton, Kevin Williams Jr., and Nathan Williams;

her twelve great-grandchildren,
Tayah, Mason, J.J., LaTrease, Ezeikel, Elijah, Ja'Kam, Namar'rah, Lakelyn, Landon, Jordan and Zariah;

a daughter-in-law,
Elsa Sutton, Dubuque, IA;

and a brother,
Walter Johnson, Chicago, IL.

Ruby was preceded in death by her mother, Catherine; a daughter, Connie Sutton; and two sons, James Sutton Jr. and Gary Sutton.

A Ruby L. Sutton memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Dr. Garrett Ridgley and the nurses and staff from Above and Beyond Hospice for their kind and compassionate care of Ruby.


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