For we are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8

Ruby Lyons entered this world on August 20, 1941, to parents George and Florence Harris. Ruby passed from earthly life to her home in Heaven on March 11, 2026, at the age of 84. Following the death of her mother, she was adopted at the age of five and became the "'chosen'' first child of Steve and Lena Babb Phipps. She would go on to have five additional siblings.

She was predeceased by her parents, Steve and Lena Phipps; her daughter, Sandra Dugger; and a brother, Alan Phipps. She was also predeceased by her ten biological siblings, with whom she was able to maintain loving relationships throughout their lives.

Ruby retired from Sycamore Shoals Hospital, where she was known as a hard worker with impeccable attention to detail and a commitment to doing every task correctly. In addition to her employment, she volunteered in various roles at the hospital. One of the contributions she was most proud of was the many hats and booties she lovingly crocheted for newborns. Ruby was a long-time devoted member of Deliverance Church of God, and her macaroni salad was a beloved staple at church gatherings.

Left to honor and cherish her memory are her granddaughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Leonard Dugger; her brothers Joe Phipps (Rene) and Johnny Phipps (Debbie); and her sisters Loretta Tester and Betty Wood. Several generations of nieces and nephews (both Phipps and Harris) also share in the honor of having Ruby in their lives.

Ruby's legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her work, her service, and her simple acts of love.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Ivy Hall Nursing Home and Amedisys Hospice who have gone above and beyond providing care, compassion, and love to our Ruby. Words cannot convey how grateful we are or how much we appreciate each of you!

A Service to Celebrate the life of Ruby will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026 in Memorial Funeral Chapel with Jay Palmer, Minister officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park. Music will be provided by the family. As a last act of honor and love, family members will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 12:30 Saturday prior to the service .Flowers or donations to a favorite charity are welcome; or perform a random act of kindness for someone in need. Condolences may be sent to the family at our web-site www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Lyons family