Ruby Elms Park, 88, of De Leon, passed away Friday, July 8, 2016, in Ft. Worth. She was born April 23, 1928, in De Leon to Thomas David Elms and Susan Maude Stephens Elms.

When Ruby was eleven days old, her mother died and her sister, Jewell Grace and husband, Ross, raised her. Ruby graduated from Beattie High School and later from Cosmetology and Electrology school.

Ruby married L.V. Park February 20, 1949, in Scranton, Texas, and always lived in the De Leon community. She was a member of Morton Chapel since she was a young teenager and loved her Lord and Savior. She taught Sunday School to teenagers for many years.

Ruby loved the De Leon community and worked very hard to help serve and improve the community. She played a key role in rehabilitating the city park, building the pavilion, sidewalks, installing the irrigation system, and building the bathrooms. She was a charter member of the Women's Division who completed so many positive tasks for De Leon such as purchasing street signs and rehabbing the City Hall building. Ruby was the Secretary of the De Leon Chamber of Commerce for 12 years. She received the great honor of De Leon Woman of the Year. She was extremely active with the De Leon Peach and Melon Festival for many years and helped to cook over 100 briskets throughout the years to raise money for the De Leon Chamber of Commerce. She was also on the building committee for the new festival grounds and was responsible for renting out the community center for many years. For many years, she would work so hard decorating the community Christmas tree for all to enjoy.

Her family was her pride and joy. She was a loving and devoted homemaker and a caring friend to so many.

She is survived by her daughters, Janet Brinson and husband, Anthony, Terry Hardin and husband, Randy; grandchildren, Jason Brinson and wife, Kendall, Jami Creekmore and husband, James, Lance Hardin and wife, Jennifer, and Cody Hardin and wife, Jennifer; great-grandchildren, Kailson Brinson, Brice Brinson, Emerson Creekmore, Hunter Creekmore, Austin Hardin, Brooklyn Hardin, Ally Hardin, Nolan Hardin and Landon Hardin; special nephew, John Grace and Ruth; special nieces, Sue Boland and Beth Calvert and husband, Bill; sisters-in-law, Barbara Coan, Imogene Bishop, Charlene Partain and Ima Jean Park; many other nieces and nephews; and other extended family.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, L.V. Park; parents, Thomas and Susan Elms; sisters, Rose Elms, Jewell Grace, Ruth McCurdy and Mae Morgan; brothers, Aubrey Elms, Milton Elms, Hilton Elms, J.C. Elms and Vernon Elms; nephews, Lindon Grace and Lelon Grace.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 12, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, De Leon, with Pastor John Woodard officiating. Ruby was laid to rest in De Leon Cemetery next to her husband, L.V.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Morton Chapel in memory of Ruby.