Ruby Fae Conner, 83, Carthage, Missouri, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, May 12, 2024, at her home. She was born on July 9, 1940, in Denver, Colorado, the daughter of the late Ralph Archer and Eva (Chase) Archer. Ruby’s life was a testament to the power of generosity and the strength of family bonds.
Ruby’s early years laid the foundation for a life characterized by hard work and dedication to others. Aside from owning and operating a restaurant, she poured her heart into her work as a private secretary and operator for a supper club in Wichita, Kansas where her caring nature made her many lifelong friends. She enjoyed traveling, going fishing, playing cards and being surrounded by family and friends. She married Billy Joe Conner, on November 10, 1955, in Raton, New Mexico, and they enjoyed 63 wonderful and loving years together until his passing on September 14, 2018.
Family meant the world to Ruby. She relished in the role of caregiver, and her selfless nature led her to extend her generosity far beyond her immediate family. Her home was often the gathering place for celebrations and a refuge in times of need. She had an innate ability to nurture not only her own kin but also any individual who needed support or a listening ear. She even took in many foreign exchange students over the years, taking care of them just like family. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ruby’s heart truly belonged to her family. Ruby was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Carthage.
She is survived by her niece, Anita Archer; her grandchildren, Theresa Dobbs, Kimberly Couturier (Derek), Audrey Conner, and Tiffany Conner; her great-grandchildren, Courtney Foster, Megan Foster, Trinity Foster, Arianna Couturier, Gage Couturier, Kevin Conner and Izzabella Bartlett; her nieces and nephews, Kelly Grabb (Michael), David Midyett (Nam Sun), Tina Preston, William R. Archer, William D. Archer, and Michelle Sandlin; her sister, Evelyn Sandlin; her close friends, Bonnie Donham, Betty Landown, Elva Wolford, Steven Lowery, Jerry Elmore, and Jane Johnson; and numerous other nieces and nephews, as well as many extended family and friends. She was a surrogate mother and grandmother to numerous others, always opening her home and heart to those in need.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy J Conner; three children, Patricia Gaskill, Robert Conner, and Ralph Conner; two sisters, Mary Heinz, and Betty Midyett and her brother, William R. Archer.
Graveside funeral services will be held 11:30 am, Monday, May 20, 2024, at Fasken Cemetery, Carthage, Missouri, with a reception to follow. Ruby will lie in state from 9 am to 11 am, Monday, May 20, 2024, at Knell Mortuary, for those who wish to pay their respects and sign the register book. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to Ruby Conner Memorial Fund in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
