RUBY LOUISE COUCH BAILEY

May 25, 2020

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Ruby Louise Couch Bailey, our loving and devoted mother, and friend to all whose lives she touched. Ruby departed to the loving arms of her Savior, passing peacefully Sunday morning, May 24, 2020 with her family close by in Pulaski, VA. She was in her 89th year of life.

Born in Wise County, VA, she spent a happy childhood with her parents and siblings in the Stevens area of the county. Shortly after graduating from Wise High School, Ruby left her hometown to venture to Washington, DC where she worked in the fingerprinting department of the FBI. Although she enjoyed her time there, she missed her family and returned home to her sweetheart, Johnny Bailey. She and Johnny married, and raised their own family in Wise, where they lived until their retirement. They moved to Glade Spring, VA to enjoy many years together, and later moved to Pulaski, VA to spend their final years with family.

Ruby lived a full life as a loving and devoted mother, wife, homemaker, and she worked in the Wise School System for many years. She loved to sew and was a highly skilled quilter, who made many inspired and beautiful works of art. She gifted those treasures to her children and grandchildren for them to enjoy and remember her. She loved to cook and care for her family and took great pride in keeping an exceptionally clean and beautiful home.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Johnny; her beloved daughter, Patricia (Trish) Hunsucker; sisters, Thelma Couch, Wilma (Tootsie) Shupe, and Barbara (Bobbie) Bradley; and brothers, Howard Couch and Lacy (Buddy) Couch.

She is survived by two of her beloved children, Dan Bailey and wife Connie, and Gina Kilbourne and husband Scotty; her grandchildren, Kristy Boling and fiancé Kevin Humphrey, Kurt Kilbourne and wife Kathleen, Justin Bailey and wife Amanda, Adam Bailey, Robert Jordan, and Matthew Hunsucker and wife Amanda; great-grandchildren, Collin and Chloe Boling and Veda Hunsucker; brother, Johnny Couch; sister, Deanie Dotson; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Most of all she loved her family dearly. She instilled in her children strong values that have served them well. She will be dearly missed, and forever in our hearts.

Private services will be held in the Wise Cemetery. Please visit www.surgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise is in charge of arrangements.