Ruby Elizabeth McKinney, 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Fair Haven Home in Bostic, North Carolina surrounded by family and friends.

Before moving to Fair Haven Home, Ruby lived with her husband and former Cleveland County Sheriff, Buddy McKinney, on McKinney Road in Mooresboro, NC. They were happily married for 67 years.

Ruby was a passionate advocate for learning and teaching, earning a college degree in education from Gardner Webb University and a Master's degree in reading education from Appalachian State University. She taught elementary school for 33 years for the Cleveland County school system, mostly at Boiling Springs Elementary School, retiring in 1999.

Ruby loved her dogs, most recently Holly and Cookie, crocheting, baking, gardening, and cooking for her family, friends, and church functions. She was a lifelong devout Christian and member of Trinity Baptist Church. She adored sermons and Bible study with her friends every Sunday.

Ruby is survived by her husband, Buddy McKinney of Mooresboro, NC, her son and daughter-in-law, Bobby and Crystal McKinney of Morganton, NC and grandchildren, Mary-Kathryn (Davis) Rand of Nashville, TN and Jackson McKinney of Chapel Hill, NC. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Pearl Cash, her brother Fred (Doris) Cash, and her in-laws Jim and Lillie Mae McKinney.

Private Family Services will be held at a later date.

Robert Morgan Funeral and Cremation Service, LLC is honored to serve the McKinney Family. Memorial tributes may be made at www.rsmorganfsl.com.