Ruby Dunn

Ruby Pryor Dunn (Harvey), 86, of Fairfield and formerly of Dale and Carmi passed away at 10:40 a.m., Friday, January 12, 2018, in Fairfield.  She was born December 10, 1931, in Monroe, TN the daughter of John Bedford and Nannie Belle (Stover) Harvey.  Ruby married Haggard H. Pryor on October 1, 1949, and he preceded her in death on April 2, 1978.  She then married Fred A. Dunn on July 29, 1979, who preceded her in death on July 6, 2007.

She loved her family more than anything. Ruby’s strong work ethic, frugalness and determination drove her to use her God given talents to survive and to provide a better life for her three daughters. These encompassed being a self-taught seamstress who made her own patterns, a sought-after cake decorator, painter, caterer, and gardener. The abundant vegetable garden and strawberry “patch” provided frozen or canned food throughout the year. Today her family talks about dumplings that floated like clouds, cherry triangles that melted in your mouth and biscuits so flakey they tasted like dessert.

Before she was employed by Norge, she gleaned corn, cleaned houses, cooked and waited tables at both the City Café and the Echo Motel and Restaurant. Ruby was one of the first women to be employed
as an underground coal miner at Old Ben 21 where she worked for 25 years.

Though strong, Ruby was a tender-hearted woman who always provided food, clothing and shelter for anyone in need; particularly family members. Her tenderness extended to animals as well.

Her daughters were blessed with a loving Mother who sacrificed her personal needs, dreams and goals to provide them opportunities that she never had.

Ruby enjoyed walking through the woods, working in her beautiful flower garden, sharing meals and being with her family. She helped people and that made her happy.

Surviving Ruby are three daughters, Shirley (James) Davis of Fairfield, Brenda (Jerry) Brockett of Rhinebeck, NY and Janet (Randy) Hamblin of Carmi; step-son, Scott (Kim) Dunn of Harrisburg; a sister, Delia Johnson-Black of Kent, OH; five grandchildren, Christina Baker, Bethany (David)Hall, Andrew (Erika)Hamblin, Matthew Hamblin, and Ryan Dunn; five great-grandchildren, Khrysten Baker, Deavon Baker, Ethan Hamblin, Bryden Hall and Reid Hall; along with three great-great- grandchildren, Sophia, Bentley and Karsyn Baker. Ruby was also preceded in death by a grandson, Tim Davis; two brothers, James S. and Hulbert R. Harvey and a half-sister, Anna Ruth Harvey.

Funeral services for Ruby Pryor Dunn (Harvey), 86, of Fairfield and formerly of Dale and Carmi will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 19, 2018 at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi.  Burial will be in Digby Hill Cemetery in Dale.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. In lieu of flowers if you prefer, memorial contributions may be made in Ruby's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Pets at Risk and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi.