Ruby Jean Steed, daughter of the late Claude Emmett Cook and Cecil Mae (Robinson) Cook, was born September 16, 1936, in Salem, Arkansas. She departed this life on June 15, 2023, at the age of 86 years and 9 months. She was united in marriage on March 29, 1951, in Thayer, Missouri, to Charles Edward Steed. This past March, Ruby and Charlie celebrated 72 years of marriage! In the early 1960s Charles and Ruby started their own business, Steed’s Grocery Store and Gas Station in Thayer, Missouri, which would be described as one of the first convenience stores in Thayer, Missouri. They owned and operated the store for two decades, working seven days a week before Ruby decided she wanted to slow down and spend more time chasing her teenage twin boys and their athletic schedules. Retirement did not last long, for Marion Morris with Morris Furniture in downtown Thayer reached out to her regarding a part-time job selling new furniture. After a few years, part-time turned into full-time, and in the mid-1980s, the Morris’ sold the business to Chad and Barbara Butler of West Plains, Missouri; thus, Thayer Furniture was formed. Mom, learning the ropes from great businessmen such as Johnny Cox and Steve Honeycutt, continued working for the Butlers. She worked her way into the Manager’s position, which she held for over 20 years. Ruby loved her job in the furniture business and took pride in picking out quality-made furniture. She loved the people she worked with: Johnny, Steve, and especially George Landis! Mom loved her customers and always knew what would sell and what would not. She loved her daily store visits from various local business folks in town, especially from her good friend Pat Freeman. Pat and Rosie were special people to our family. She always got a kick out of Pat’s tales he would share. She looked forward to going with Barbara Butler to the market in Dallas, Texas, each year to purchase new items for the store. Charlie always thought the only reason she worked was to cover her tab for what she wanted to buy for herself. Charlie knew a trip to the market meant a new piece of furniture for Ruby at the house! Mom was forever grateful to the Butler Family for giving her that opportunity. Mom had a great eye for furniture and home décor, supplying thousands of families in the area with the best furniture you could buy. The Butlers were not only Mom’s employer, but they also became some of her best friends. In the early 2000’s Ruby finally decided it was time to retire, so she could spend more time with her children and grandchildren.
Ruby loved her church and her church family at the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. She was a member for over 65 years and served as the Treasurer for nearly 30 years. Ruby’s love for her children and grandchildren was endless. She forever looked forward to Christmas where she would buy every child and grandchild something special. Gram loved her family, and she would always have a big meal prepared for them at every holiday meal and never forgot a birthday. Gram Ruby was simply the best! We could not have asked for a better mom or gram. There is a void in our hearts that can never be replaced!
Ruby is survived by her husband, Charles Edward Steed of the home. Five children: Charles (Butch) Steed and wife Donna of Thayer, Missouri; Jerry Steed and wife BJ of Mountain Home, Arkansas; Barbara Steed of West Plains, Missouri; Kevin Steed and wife Lana of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; and Kelly Steed and wife Angela of Thayer, Missouri. Ten grandchildren: Angi Littlejohn of Memphis, Tennessee; Becky Hallmark of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas; Christina Mainprize of West Plains, Missouri; Thaddeus Jay (T.J.) Steed of Ash Flat, Arkansas; Charli Steed of Springfield, Missouri; Jacob Steed of Republic, Missouri; Kelsey Flynn of Little Rock, Arkansas; Ashley Steed of Republic, Missouri; Zachary Steed of Thayer, Missouri; and Ruby Frances Steed of Mountain Home, Arkansas. Ten great-grandchildren, and five nephews: Michael Cook, Eddie Wrenfrow, Jim Wrenfrow, Doyle Wrenfrow, and Emmett (Bubba) Cook. One special niece, Hazel Rodrigue, and very special friends, Dow and Carol Wilkerson.
In addition to her parents, Ruby was preceded in death by one infant son, Larry Edward Steed; one infant grandson, Michael Wayne Steed; two brothers: Paul Cook and Emmett Cook; one sister, Anna Pearl (Cook) Wrenfrow; three nephews: Kenny Cook, Jimmy Joe Wagner, and Robert Wrenfrow; One niece, Linda Kay Wrenfrow; two uncles: Raymond J Cook and Otho Cook; three aunts: Leida Cook, Tressie Cook, and Irene Sims; And daughter-in-law, Margaret Steed.
Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Ruby J. Steed to the First Christian Church, Mammoth Springs, Arkansas.
Funeral Services for Ruby will be held Monday, June 19, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri. There will be a visitation from 12 p.m. till time of service.
Burial will follow after funeral at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri.
Arrangements are by Carter Funeral Home Inc.-Thayer, Missouri. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.carterfuneralhomeinc.com
