Ruby Crowder Hunt brought joy, beauty, love, laughter, faith, and hope into the lives of many people. She was born on March 14, 1926 the first child of Plato Dixon and Vada Spangler Crowder. Ruby was raised on a farm in Lattimore NC, graduated from Lattimore High School and attended Appalachian State University where she was chosen by her classmates to represent them on the May Court.

Ruby married her childhood sweetheart Jack Hunt in 1946, and they began an eventful life together. They lived at Ft. Bragg during both WWII and the Korean War, then settled in Cliffside, where Jack practiced dentistry. Later, they returned to Cleveland County to raise their five daughters. Ruby's pleasant nature and dedicated work ethic allowed her to successfully manage several retail businesses in Western North Carolina. She balanced her work and a happy atmosphere at home with elegance, making it look effortless. Ruby always made time for her family by reading with the children, making clothes for them, and instilling in them Christian values by showing love and patience to each child. She contributed to her community by teaching Sunbeams, volunteering with local charities and preparing many home cooked meals for family and friends.

In 1972, Jack ran for political office and served in the North Carolina House of Representatives, traveling between Raleigh and Cleveland County for twenty-two years. Ruby accompanied him on trips to Raleigh and made a home away from home for them there. She served as Chaplain of the Sir Walter Cabinet where she researched and presented inspiring devotionals on living a meaningful life. She wrote of Happiness - "The Happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts". She quoted Galatians 5:22 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control."

Ruby's Cookin' is a term that has and will forever be used to describe the many spur of the moment dinners held in Raleigh and Lattimore. People from all walks of life have always been welcomed to the Hunt's table complete with country ham, homemade biscuits, cornbread and fresh vegetables from the garden. Ruby's home and kitchen are known as a place where harmony prevails.

Ruby Hunt always said that children spell love T-I-M-E. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother her gift of love was simple and unconditional, a Corinthian example of the truest way to show love to others.

Ruby, 91, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday May 27th. She was preceded in death by her parents Vada Spangler and Plato Dixon Crowder, her brother PD Crowder Jr. and one grandchild, Annabeth Jones Corn (Annie). Ruby is survived by her husband of 71 years, John Jackson "Jack" Hunt; five daughters, Judy Hunt (Hanse Kohler), Penny Corn (Jim), Libby Sarazen (Paul), Cindy Martin (David) and Sally Royster (David); Grandchildren Jackie Kohler Wilson (Hayes), Hunter Corn (Stu), Will Corn, Paul Sarazen IV (Amy), Elizabeth Sarazen Rhodes (Dan), Jackson Martin (Mary Beth), John Martin (Jessica), Jim Martin (Kacie), David Royster, IV and Jay Royster; and nine great grandchildren; Kai, Melia and Brycen Sarazen, Rachel and Julia Rhodes, Jack Wilson, Wyatt and Waylon Martin, and Charlotte Martin. Ruby is also survived by 3 sisters, Mary Beam (Frank); Veva C. Gold (Donald) and Patsy Cabiness (Doug).

A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, May 30th at 2:00 o'clock at First Baptist Church of Shelby, Rev. Tony Tench officiating. Receiving of friends after the service in Dover Activities Center. Burial will be at Lattimore Baptist Church prior to the memorial service.

The family wishes to thank Ruby's wonderful caregivers and Hospice of Cleveland County.

Memorials may be made to GWU Hunt School of Nursing Scholarship, P.O. Box 997, Boiling Springs, NC 28017 or Ruby C. Hunt YMCA, P. O. Box 2272, Shelby, NC 28151 or to the charity of donor's choice.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Hunt.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com