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Ruby J. Rawls 1920 – 2008 Ruby Lee Johnson Rawls was born on February 6, 1920, in Bertram, Texas. She passed away peacefully in San Antonio on August 13, 2008 at the age of 88. Mrs. Rawls put up a long and valiant effort against Alzheimer's disease. Ruby was raised on a small farm near the Hill Country community of Joppa and was the eleventh of thirteen children born to John Charles and Josie Mae Erwin Johnson. Though three siblings died as children or infants, Ruby grew up with a large, but close-knit family having four brothers and five sisters. She graduated from Briggs High School in 1937, and left the Bertram area about a year later. In 1943 she met and married Simeon L. "Sam" Rawls in Houston. They were married for 51 years until his death in 1994. Ruby faced many challenges in her life, but is renowned for her positive outlook, sense of humor and wonderful laugh. Her oldest son, Jerry, was born while Sam was piloting bombers in Europe during World War II. After the war, Sam received orders to move to Tucson. In early April 1947, less than 3 weeks after the arrival of their second son Dennis, Mrs. Rawls heard a radio broadcast of the news that a large military transport plane had crashed on take-off from Kelly AFB in San Antonio. Certain that Sam was scheduled to fly from San Antonio back to Tucson, she knew her life was about to change. Ruby was the foundation of the family during the years Sam spent recovering from his severe injuries. Her ability to do what was needed, when it was needed, and without complaint, was her mark. The countless hours of dedication and sacrifice she made while helping Sam overcome his injuries demonstrated the compassion and caring qualities that would define Ruby. The Rawls family became residents of San Antonio after the crash, and their youngest son, Warren, was born in 1954. Sam, who had returned to work for Shell Oil Co., was transferred to Houston in 1959. The Rawls family lived in Houston until 1972. Ruby worked at a variety of jobs in Houston to help cover the cost of raising 3 boys and ultimately got her real estate license. She had a short but successful career selling real estate during the last 3 years she lived in Houston. In December 1972, Ruby and Sam moved to Georgetown, Texas. It was there that Ruby rediscovered tennis, a game she hadn't played in decades. She became an active member at the Serenada Tennis Club, where she not only enjoyed the exercise, but also the warm camaraderie of her many good friends at the club. While living in Georgetown, Ruby was diagnosed with breast cancer. She used her faith and positive attitude to face and conquer the disease. After treatment, she returned to the active life she loved and was cancer-free the rest of her life. In the summer of 1994, Mrs. Rawls moved to San Antonio where Sam was spending long periods of time in the hospital. She was widowed in September of that year. When her own ability to live independently declined in 1998, she moved to Freedom House, a new Alzheimer's care facility. Freedom House is where she remained to the end, becoming something of legend for her longevity. Being a devout Southern Baptist, Ruby was an active member of a congregation wherever she lived. She belonged to Alamo Heights Baptist Church in San Antonio, then to Westbury Baptist Church in Houston, and then to the First Baptist Church in Georgetown. Her faith was strong, and because of it, she never worried. Ruby was enthusiastic about life and loved caring for all things. Ruby is survived by her three sons, Jerry S. Rawls Los Altos, CA, Dennis W. Rawls Talent, OR, and Warren L. Rawls Fair Oaks Ranch, TX and their families which include five grandchildren, and her sister-in-law Helen Copeland Houston, TX. A special friend and companion, Connie Sharon, has helped make Ruby's life more fun, fulfilling, and comfortable for the last 14 years. Mrs. Rawls is proceeded in death by her parents and husband, her four brothers "J. C.", Alton, Yates, and Ozias Johnson, and her five sisters Ona Glimp, Oma Willis, Eulalia "Johnnie" Hart, Vera Mosbey, and Theatious Miller. The family would like to extend a special appreciation to the staff and caregivers at Freedom House for the attention and love they gave to Ruby. Honorary pallbearers are grandchildren Amanda Genovese, Steven Rawls, Kevin Rawls, Kyle Rawls and Kathryn Rawls, and step-grandson Huron Smith. SERVICES Internment will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Monday, August 18th at 11:15 AM. After the burial service, all friends and family are invited to a memorial service and reception at Freedom House, 12455 Freedom Way, San Antonio, TX 78245. The memorial service will begin at approximately 2:00 PM. Food and refreshments will be served at the reception. For anyone wishing to make a contribution, the family suggests memorials to the Air Force Village Foundation, FBO Freedom House, 5100 John D. Ryan Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78245.

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Ruby J. Rawls

February 6, 1920 - August 13, 2008