Ruby Beck Justice

Ruby Beck Justice, 88, of Paddy’s Creek Road died Sunday, March 4, 2012. She was born July 5, 1923 in Morganton.

Ruby moved to the South Mountain Institute in 1936 as a student which began an association with that home which lasted for over 65 years. She considered South Mountain her home and spoke fondly of it all her life. She worked there in various capacities until her health required her to retire.Ruby served as a community 4-H leader for over 30 years and served as director for the Kiwanis Fresh Air Camp for a number of years.She was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church where she was the oldest active member until her health prevented her from going to church. She served as a Sunday school teacher for over 40 years. Ruby was also a member of the Longtown Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.Ruby, along with her husband, Clarence Stinson Justice, owned and operated the Hungry Horse Ranch riding stables where hundreds of Burke, McDowell, and Catawba youngsters first learned to ride horses. They also provided camp horses for summer camps in western North Carolina.Left to cherish her with fond memories are sons, Ed and his wife Lynn, Dave and his wife Kay, and Wynn; grandchildren, Captain Todd Justice (US Army), Jeff Stevens and wife Angie, Sheila Parks and husband Dr. David Parks, Robin Stouffer and husband Major Mark Stouffer (US Army), Rebecca Mathews and husband Darren, and Amber Lynne Justice and her fiancé William Reynolds; and great-grandchildren, Samantha Stouffer, Joe Stouffer, Riley Parks, Holden Parks, Sullivan Stevens, Lucas Matthews, Aubrey Matthews, Tristan Smith, Levi Smith, Victoria Helton, and Anthony Helton.In addition to her parents, Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Stinson Justice, a son, Phillip Lynn Justice; and sisters, Callie Elizabeth Beck and infant twin sisters.The family would like to thank the staff at Grace Heights Rehabilitation and Burke Hospice House for the excellent care and kindness shown to Mother during her final days.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, March 9, 2012 at Oak Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Gyles Widener officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center. Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church, 1065 Paddy’s Creek Rd., Nebo, NC 28761, or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.