Ruby Jewell Young Byrd, 79, of Tifton died Monday, February 2, 2015, at Southern Care Assisted Living in Tifton. Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2015, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals with Rev. Ronnie Howell and Rev. James Spires officiating. Mrs. Byrd will be laid to rest at Salem Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 4, 2015, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals. The family will gather at the home of Kim Giddens, 22 Elizabeth Drive in Tifton.
Mrs. Byrd was born on April 29, 1935 in Worth County to the late George Claburn Young and Leila Lowe Young. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a brother, George Young, Jr. and two sisters, Marybelle Harnage and Doris Kendall.
She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Mrs. Byrd loved flowers and enjoyed the company of her cats while working in her flower gardens. She was especially fond of camellias, daylilies and roses. She and Spud enjoyed annual trips to Maggie Valley, North Carolina in October to see the changing color of the leaves in the mountains. She was retired from Wal-Mart, where she made many friends as a greeter.
Mrs. Byrd is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Arvin Franklin “Spud” Byrd of Tifton; a daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Robert Giddens of Tifton; a grandson and his wife, Zane and Cynthia Giddens of Tifton; nieces, Pat Langley and Judy Lambert, both of Tifton; and a nephew, James Whittington of Summerfield, Florida.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Tiftarea, P. O. Box 747, Tifton, GA 31793.