Mrs. Ruby Alice Dawson Sykes, age 87 of Mt. Airy passed away Thursday, October 27, 2011 at the Joan and Howard Hospice Home in Dobson. Mrs. Sykes was born in Carroll County, VA on August 30, 1924 to the late George Lester and Sarah Elizabeth Dawson. What better way to describe this woman than as in the proverbs of Solomon, She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She was a loving mother, grandmother and a dedicated member of Westview Baptist Church. Mrs. Sykes devoted her life to helping other's, she was a warm, kind hearted person who enjoyed sewing and cooking for everyone. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Joe Bill Slate of the home, grandsons, Allen Slate and wife, Lori of Thomasville, PA, Rev. Darren Slate and wife, Tammy of Mt. Airy, great grandchildren and spouses, Holly and Eric Waltz, Zack and Brandi Slate, Heather Gladfelter, Isaac Slate, Joseph Slate, Erica Slate and her fiancee', Nick Cox, Josh Slate, Emily Slate, great-great grandchildren, Aubrey Gladfelter, Collin Waltz, Alli Cox, McKenzie Gladfelter; sisters, Bertha Brannock and Myrtle Taylor of Mt. Airy and Irene Thompson of Cana, VA; many special nieces and nephews and a host of friends. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Sykes was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Sykes; sisters, Ruth McCraw, Clarsie Combs and Inez Dawson; brothers, Otto, Will, Ed, Alph and Howard Dawson. Funeral services will be Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Darren Slate, officiating. Burial will follow at Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mt. Airy. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Westview Baptist Church, 96 Virginlina Circle, Cana, VA 24317.