Obituary of Ruby Jean Francis

Francis, Ruby Jean 83, of Tierra Verde, journeyed to her heavenly home on Friday January 7th 2011. Born in Amherst, OH Ruby was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at the age of 5 and has been insulin dependent for 78 years. Ruby was preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers, her daughter Nancy Marie Francis in 1961 and her husband Richard T. Francis on Christmas Eve 2004. Ruby and her husband moved to Largo from Massillon, OH in 1984. Aside from being an accomplished and artistic seamstress, she was creative and extremely talented with knitting, tatting, crocheting and needlepoint arts. She spent much of her time in service to others, through the Cub Scouts, teaching Sunday School and volunteering for the Crisis Intervention Team. She was also very active in her condominium leadership. She volunteered at Lealman Intermediate School and in 2007 was selected as a finalist for Pinellas County Schools Volunteer of the Year. The last months of her life were spent at the Springs Rehabilitation Center where she was known as the Butterfly Lady with purple butterfly wings given to her by her eldest granddaughter Frannee gracing the back of her wheelchair. Ruby was the ambassador of faith and good will to her rehab mates. From her wheelchair she encouraged others not to give up and to try their best always. On Friday she traded her butterfly wings for angel wings. Ruby was devoted to her husband of 54 years and their children. She is survived by daughters Claudia F. Pettee of Tierra Verde and Susan R. Perry of South Pasadena; her son Richard M. Francis of Largo; 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. There will be a memorial service on Jan.15th 1:30pm at Church by the Sea in Madeira Beach. Interment will be held in the spring in Massillon, OH. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.