Ruby Radcliffe
October 12, 1920 — August 12, 2015
Ruby Knox Radcliffe of Lonoke, age 95, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, 2015.
She is preceded in death by her parents, John Theodore and Ava Marsh Knox, sisters Opal and Jacqueline, and brothers Clifton and William H. (Billie) Knox. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Strickland, of Lonoke, grandson Stan Strickland of New York City, and brother John (Hawk) Knox of Lonoke.
A lifelong resident of Lonoke County and central Arkansas, she was born October 12, 1920 in Butlerville. She later moved with her family south of Lonoke where she attended Lonoke Public Schools and graduated in the Class of 1938. She remained close to her classmates throughout her life.
Taking advantage of New Deal programs, Ruby learned typing and shorthand which would later lead to a career as an Administrative Assistant. She met her future husband of 54 years, Robert Harry (Bob) Radcliffe, of Chicago, Illinois, when he was stationed at Camp Robinson during World War II. The two were married on March 18, 1944, just before Mr. Radcliffe was sent to Europe for active duty. The two communicated via letters disguised with a special code to let her know her husband's whereabouts during the war.
Mrs. Radcliffe worked for 35 years for the former Arkansas Employment Security Division (ESD), where she served seven different Administrators, both Democratic and Republican appointees. She and Bob enjoyed their retirement and traveled extensively and remained active in ESD retirement groups and Bob's Veterans' groups. They loved Arkansas, attending Razorback football games, handicapping both the greyhounds in West Memphis and the thoroughbreds at Oaklawn.
An active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lonoke for over 50 years, she taught Sunday School and also served as Deacon and Elder. A kind, gentle woman who liked the simple things in life, Ruby loved to do needlework and blessed others with it. She will be remembered for the notes of encouragement and praise she sent to friends and family. Thinking of others and putting them first was her trademark.
Fridays were always special times spent with her “Lunch Bunch” ladies from Lonoke. At 80 she traveled with her family to Spain, but once back in Arkansas didn't want to be anywhere else but at Lake Hamilton with her daughter and grandson.
A celebration of Ruby's life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Lonoke, 304 South Center Street, on Saturday, August 15 at 11am. Visitation will follow in the adjoining Educational Building. Arrangements are by Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Lonoke or to the Wade Knox Center, 1835 S.W. Front Street, Lonoke, Arkansas 72086, in memory of her great-nephew, Wade and his dog Champ, who taught the family to love golden retrievers.
A special thanks to the compassionate, kind and caring staff at Chambers Nursing Home. Our prayer is that God will bless them as they go about their daily work of helping those who need them so much.
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies .” Proverbs 31:10