Ruby Donaldson

Funeral services for Ruby Donaldson, of Swink, Okla., were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 at Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church in Valliant. Ruby Dee (Crow) Donaldson was born on Oct. 8, 1926 in Swink, Okla. She went home to be with Jesus on Aug. 11, 2022, at her daughter’s home in Marietta, Okla., at the age of 95.

Ruby is preceded in death by her husband, James Floyd Donaldson; a grandson; a great-granddaughter; her sister, Bennie Thornburgh and husband; her brother, William Crow and wife; and her parents, Ben and Frankie Crow.

Ruby married her husband, Floyd Donaldson, in Wichita Falls, Texas, on Jan. 10, 1953, and they shared 59 years together. In 1963, Floyd and Ruby opened their own business together in Fort Towson, Okla., and operated Donaldson Electric for more than 30 years. In 1970, they also started a water supply business in Swink, and provided water to many residents for almost 50 years.

During this time, Ruby worked hard, long hours to help manage the family business, but she also worked tirelessly to make sure her family was taken care of and well provided for. Ruby always loved and placed her family and friends above her own needs and was always willing to help those around her. Ruby loved to cook, and she enjoyed providing delicious meals for her family and for all those she welcomed into her home. It was a familiar sight to see other family members and friends joining them at the supper table. Almost every Sunday, Ruby and Floyd would invite their preacher to join them for Sunday lunch where they might find a good oldfashioned pot roast along with numerous vegetables, hot rolls, and always a freshly cooked dessert. To Ruby, cooking was a way of serving others, a way of following Jesus’ command to “love one another.” Ruby had a servant’s heart, and she willingly served and loved those around her, but above all, Ruby was a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, and she loved serving her Lord.

From the time Ruby was saved as a teenager, church was an important part of her life. She was always very active in her church where she served in many roles, including serving as the pianist at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church where she and Floyd were members for more than 30 years.

She is survived by one son, Ronnie Donaldson and his wife of Swink; one daughter, Carolyn Lancaster

granddaughter; great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law, and many other friends and family members, including a special niece, who for many years called her every single day.

Interment followed the service at Fort Towson Cemetery with Bro. Melvin Holleman officiating, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.