RUBY MAE WOODS

Ruby Mae Dennis Woods, a woman whose heart knew no bounds and whose family was her greatest joy, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, in Toledo, Ohio—born on January 31, 1937, in Minter, Alabama, a small town outside of Selma. She was the daughter of Tommie and Lueida Nickles Dennis. Growing up in a bustling household, Ruby was one of thirteen siblings. Though two siblings passed in infancy, she shared a close bond with her brothers and sisters: Mattie Lou Jones, Lydia Goodwin, Freddie Mae Thomas, Cora Mae Jackson, Tommie,  AC, Sam, Emmitt, Moses, and Leroy Dennis. She was preceded in death by all her siblings except for her dear brothers, Moses and Leroy.  Before marrying, Ruby welcomed her daughter, Betty Jean Dennis Miller. Later, she married Climmie Dozier Woods on December 4, 1959, in Centerville, Alabama. In 1965, the family moved to Akron, Ohio. Sadly, Climmie preceded her in death in 1985. In her later years in Toledo, Ruby regularly attended Total Grace, the church led by her son-in-law, Pastor Wilbert Ray Miller.  Ruby was known for being strong-willed and a true firecracker, never shy about sharing her opinions. Fittingly, Ruby had a deep affection for the color red. It was her signature, evident in everything she wore and the vibrant décor of her home. Her love for the bold hue perfectly reflected her spirited nature. In her leisure time, Ruby enjoyed the excitement of bingo, the thrill of the casino, and the lottery. Her big heart extended beyond her immediate family, as she lovingly welcomed and raised three foster children for many years. Her journey took her from Alabama to Northeast Ohio and eventually to Toledo, where she spent her later years. The light of Ruby's life shone brightly through her daughter Betty Jean and husband Pastor Wilbert Ray Miller, her stepdaughter Sara Mae Woods Pratt and her grandchildren: Ray (Tina) Miller, Shalon Miller, Felicia Miller Curtain, and step-grandchildren Thomas Woods and Richard Woods who is deceased, James Lamont, and John Anthony Pratt, and her eight great-grandchildren: Deja, Raven, and Brayden Miller, TaTyanna Miller (Curtain), Taylor, Tori, Tristen, and Tinley-Anne Curtain. She treasured every moment spent in their company. Ruby lived her last years in the home of her daughter and son-in-law.   Ruby will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family and vibrant and spirited nature, often expressed through her signature color and enjoyment of games of chance. She leaves behind her surviving brothers, her daughter and son-in-law, her special friend Lionel Tisdale, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends, all touched by her kindness and warmth. Her legacy of love and devotion will continue to live in our hearts.  

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