Ruby May (Elliott) Bailey, age 72 years, left this world to be in the presence of her Lord and Savior on August 31, 2026 at Saint Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00PM-2:00PM. Interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery, Brownington, Missouri. Fond memories and condolences may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com

She was born on June 28, 1954 in Clinton, Missouri, to Violet Mae (Brown) and Albert Lee Elliott. She was the fourth of six children born to their union.

On June 28, 1985 Ruby married the love of her life, William B. "Bill" Bailey. They exchanged vows during a small ceremony at their home in Deepwater, surrounded by family and friends. Together, Ruby and Bill built a life grounded in companionship, devotion, and the quiet joys of being together.

Ruby was a member of First Baptist Church in Deepwater, where she cherished her church family and enjoyed helping with Vacation Bible School. Her caring nature led her to lend a hand whenever she could. She was rarely without a smile, and her warm, generous hugs made everyone who received one feel welcome and loved.

Ruby found happiness in life's familiar comforts. A cup of coffee, a seat on the porch, and the gentle sound of her wind chimes were enough to make her content. She enjoyed watching her "love stories," as she called them, reading country music magazines, and listening to country music.

She was also a familiar and friendly presence around Deepwater. Ruby could often be seen walking through town or stopping by the little red store. When Bill's old truck came down the road, his unmistakable uga horn often announced their arrival. Ruby would be beside him, smiling and waving as they passed, sharing her warmth with everyone along the way.

Family held a particularly special place in Ruby's heart. Her niece and nephew will always remember staying with her, watching old movies, making goulash, and sitting with Aunt Ruby over coffee and butter cookies. These gatherings were simple, yet they became treasured parts of their childhood—moments whose significance has only grown with time.

Ruby also had a fondness for Chinese food and enjoyed it whenever she had the opportunity. She liked treating herself to a new outfit, too, taking pleasure in the simple excitement of having something new to wear. Details such as these reflected her ability to find delight in everyday pleasures.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Violet Mae and Albert Lee Elliott; her beloved husband, William B. "Bill" Bailey; her brothers, Roy, Ross, and Earl Elliott; and her sister, Rosa Elliott.

She leaves behind her sister, Mildred "Diane" McClure and husband Jim; nephew, Justin McClure; niece, Jamie Holt and husband Kenny; great-niece, Emaily Hintenach; great-nephews, Cade Mantonya and Gage Mantonya; and great-great-nephews, Keenan Mantonya and Archer Pedlar.

Ruby will be remembered through the many details that brought her joy and revealed her generous spirit: wind chimes sounding from the porch, coffee shared with family, country music magazines, an old love story on television, a pot of goulash, butter cookies around the table, favorite Chinese dishes, a new outfit, walks through town, and her cheerful wave from Bill's old truck.

Above all, her family and friends will remember her smile and her hugs. Her smile invited others to share in her happiness, while her hugs offered comfort and affection without needing words. Through these gestures and the kindness she showed so freely, Ruby made people feel valued and cared for.

Her life reminds us that a meaningful legacy is often formed through familiar routines, shared laughter, and the steady presence of someone who brings warmth to ordinary days.

Ruby's family and all who knew her will carry those memories forward with gratitude. She will be deeply missed, but her kindness, humor, smile, and loving embrace will remain part of the lives she touched

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri and are pending at this time.