Mrs. Ruby Hardy Stanley, age 83, of Ararat, NC, widow of the late Paul Henry Stanley passed away at her home early Thursday morning, March 11, 2010. Mrs. Stanley was born in Surry County on October 20, 1926 to the late Levi Ellis and Ella Marion Hardy.
Mrs. Stanley was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister. Mrs. Stanley attended Appalachian State Teachers College, graduating with a degree in Home Economics and Science. She taught Science for two years in Stoneville, NC before returning to her native Surry County. She began teaching Home Economics at Copeland and then finished her teaching career of 32 years at Surry Central High in Dobson, NC. She was a long-time member of Level Cross United Methodist Church, and member and past president of Surry Quilters Guild. She also volunteered at Horne Creek Farm and was a former member on their board of directors. Mrs. Stanley is survived by her loving daughters, Elizabeth (Charles) Calhoun of Ararat and Mary (Terry) Marshall of Shoals; four grandchildren, Matthew Calhoun (Rayanna) and Tim Calhoun, Jeff Marshall (Mele) and Layne Marshall; two great grandchildren, Luca and Faith; one brother and sister-in-law, Jesse and Martha Hardy and of Shoals; one sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Jimmy Palmer of Pinnacle; special friends and caregivers, Vickie Bledsoe and Carolyn Reid; and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Stanley was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister, Luella Westmoreland. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at Level Cross United Methodist Church at 2:00 PM with Rev. Rickey Spencer officiating with interment to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 12, 2010 from 6-8 PM at Level Cross United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made Level Cross United Methodist Church, c/o Diane Marion 137 Dry Spring Trail Dobson, NC 27017 or to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane Suite 200, Mt Airy, NC 27030. Cox-Needham Funeral Home of Pilot Mountain (www.coxneedham.com) is assisting the Stanley family.