Heaven welcomed an angel on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Ruby Lee Ward Horne joined her husband Herbert N. Horne in their final home.

Ruby Lee was born in Micanopy, Florida to Walter Lee Ward and Cecelia Shillings Ward on Sept. 20, 1932. She was the first of six children, all of whom were raised in Gainesville.

Herbert and Ruby Lee were lifelong active members of the University City Church of Christ. She served in many areas of the church. Ruby especially loved crocheting and donating thousands of small Christmas stockings for the children, along with lap blankets for anyone wanting one. The number of baby blankets and afghans that she crocheted and gifted over the years is in the thousands. She continued to crochet up to a week before her passing.

Ruby Lee was full of grace, love of family and love for God. Her kind, patient manner was shown in her sweet, southern personality. Her gentle way with all babies, her fondness for feeding the wildlife that visited her yard, and for watching the Florida Gators, was near and dear to her heart. She was very comforted in her last years by her cat, Chica.

She is survived by her daughter Cindy Horne Bashford, son-in-law Glenn Bashford, her granddaughter Crystal Horne Spero, her grandson Jim Horne, her sister Judy (Steve) Staugler, her brother Russell (Karen) Ward, her sister-in-law Suzanne Ward, along with many nieces and nephews, and her caretaker and friend Connie Eppard.

Ruby Lee was pre-deceased by her husband of 55 years, Herbert, her son Herb, her great granddaughter Hayley, her sisters Jeannette and Bernice and brother Walter (Bud).

A visitation at 11:30 am will precede the 12:00 funeral service at University City Church of Christ, 4626 NW 8th Avenue, Gainesville, Florida. Lunch to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to her church would be appreciated.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainesville FL 32216...352-378--2528