Ruby Rice-Benoit Obituary

RICE-BENOIT, Ruby Ruby Lynn Rice-Benoit began her life in heaven on Thursday, February 15, 2007. Succumbing to cancer after a valiant battle. Born April 10, 1959 to Edward E. Rice and JoAnn (Bauman)McDonald in Cumberland, MD. In addition to her parents, Ruby is survived by her husband, Gerald J. Benoit. Her three children, S. Eric Kesler and Wife, Mary Jane, S. Corrin Clayton and husband, Glenn and W. Kyle Hickle and fiancée, Tory. Four grandchildren whom she adored, Allysa and Logan Kesler, Jonathan and David Whitfield, all of Mt. Pleasant, SC. Her siblings, Reba Kriglein and husband, Fred of Ridgeley, WV, Rosemarie Hughson of Cumberland, MD, Edward E. Rice, II of Cumberland, MD and Julie Ann Cratch and Husband, John of Angier, NC. Her beloved nieces and nephews, Aimee Lynch and husband, T. J. of Angier, NC, Erin Pack and husband, Kent of Holly Springs, NC, Joshua Hughson, Simone Hughson and John David Cratch. Great niece and nephews: Madison and Zachary Lynch; Alec and Benjamin Pack. Ruby attended St. Patrick's Elementary School. She was a graduate of Fort Hill High School, class of 1977. Ruby was a devoted mother and homemaker. She worked for a time as a test car driver at ABL. She was one of the owners of Bibs to Tux Drycleaners in Short Gap, WV. After relocating to South Carolina and meeting the love of her life, Jerry, they established Tree One, Inc. While Jerry is the licensed arborist, Ruby's managerial and keen people skills allowed them to establish and grow one of the most respected and successful tree companies in the Charleston, SC area. All I need to know about life I learned from trees. It's important to have roots. In today's complex world it pays to branch-out. Don't pine away over old flames. If you really believe in something don't be afraid to go out on a limb. Be flexible so you don't break when harsh winds blow. Sometimes you have to shed your old bark in order to grow. If you want to maintain accurate records keep a log. To be politically correct don't wear firs. Grow where you are planted. It is perfectly OK to be a late bloomer. Avoid people who would like to cut you down. Get all spruced up when you have a hot date. If the party gets boring just pick up and leaf. You can't hide your true colors as you approach the autumn of your life. It is more important to be honest than poplar. Ruby truly had a love for life, a wonderful sense of humor, a dimple enhanced smile that filled a room and a laugh that lifted your soul. From this life she has passed, FOREVER, we will hold her in our hearts Till we meet again . The funeral services for Ruby Lynn will be Monday, February 19, 2007 in St. Andrews Episcopal Church at one-thirty o'clock. The family will receive friends at J. HENRY STUHR, INC., MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL Sunday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 o'clock. At her request, she will be cremated and a Memorial Service with an inurnment will be in Cumberland at a later date. A memorial message may be written to the family at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.