Ruby Mae Dunbar, 90, of Centralia, passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Centralia Manor.
She was born on December 16, 1932, the daughter of Ratliff Monroe and Lillie Mae (Seay) Dyess in Loxley, Alabama. She married the love of her life, Sebern Roy “Jack” Dunbar on May 16, 1953, in Robertsdale, Alabama and he preceded her in death on August 8, 1984.
Survivors include her beloved family, sons, Michael Dunbar of Odin, Illinois, and Barry Dunbar and wife Bobbie of Joplin, Missouri; 4 precious grandchildren, Michael, Matt, Chris, and Amber; 12 cherished great-grandchildren; and several special nieces and nephews.
Along with her husband of 31 years, Jack Dunbar, Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Joseph Dyess and wife Juanita, Monroe Dyess and wife Francis, and Ervin Dyess and wife Jane; daughter-in-law, Debra Dunbar.
Ruby loved the Lord and was a member of New Harmony Baptist Church for 70 years in Centralia, where she served as a Sunday school teacher and worship leader. She appreciated her friendships with her church family and looked forward to her monthly luncheons with the ladies of the church. Ruby loved her husband fiercely and liked to share the story of how they met when he was stationed in Florida while in the Navy and were later married in her hometown in Alabama. She and Jack then moved to Centralia to raise their family together. Ruby was a loving and supportive mother to her two boys and was proud to provide a comfortable home for her husband and her sons. She worked as a faithful manager of Little Caesars at K-Mart in Centralia, until they closed. Ruby loved to pour her energy into children’s lives and found it so rewarding to work as a teacher’s aide for New Horizon School in Centralia. She also was a cook for many restaurants and nursing homes in the area. Ruby cherished her nieces and loved being an aunt. She was considered the matriarch of the family and made sure to keep close ties with them. Everyone loved to gather around Ruby’s table, and she loved hosting and sharing some good Southern cooking. Ruby will be remembered as a lady of faith, and integrity, and for her courageous spirit.
A celebration of life graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 26, 2023, at Zion Hill Church Cemetery in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Ruby’s honor at Zion Hill Church Cemetery. Online condolences and memories of Ruby may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Irvin Macz Funeral Home is privileged to be assisting the family of Ruby Dunbar with arrangements.
