Ruby Montgomery

Ruby Rudine (Coward) Montgomery went home to be with Jesus on Friday, March 02, 2018. She was born on February 20, 1920, to Euland Floyd Coward and Montie Ray (Jones) Coward. She grew up in Pancake, Texas, and graduated from Turnersville High School. When she was 18, she moved to Gatesville and took a job as a waitress. She met and married a local boy, Raymond Edwards, September 7, 1940. They moved to Odessa, Texas in 1944, where Ruby was active in the Odessa community, the Progressive Study Club, did volunteer work in the community, and began her career as a Cosmetologist with Merle Norman Cosmetics.

In 1963, Ruby and Raymond returned to Central Texas, making their home in Copperas Cove. Ruby and her sister, Carmen Elliott went into business together, opening the first Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio on Gray Street in Killeen. Ruby and her nephew, Donald Elliott worked side by side for many years, growing the business and eventually opening a second Merle Norman Studio in Copperas Cove. Ruby was an active member of the American Business Women's Association, and Faith Temple Church in Killeen, where she taught Sunday School and bible classes, and led a prayer group. She remained active at Faith Temple into her early 90s.

She and Raymond (deceased) had one son, Charles Ray Edwards (deceased). Some years after Raymond's death, Ruby met Merlon Lee (M.L.) Montgomery (deceased) at a church service at Faith Temple Church. They married in 1980, and made their home in Belton until 1983, when they moved to Harker Heights to be closer to their home church, Faith Temple.

Ruby is survived by her granddaughter Denise (Johnny) Lake (Arkansas); grandson, Mark Edwards (Dripping Springs, TX); step-children Larry R. (Priscilla) Montgomery; Merlon Lee (Monty) Montgomery, Jr.; Merlene Dials; grandchildren Emily, Shelby, and Jayden Lake; step-grandchildren Micah, Malachi, Merlon (Trey), and John (Jay) Montgomery and Shelli Loftin; sister-in-law Bonnie Boots Coward; nieces, Sharon (Edwin) Throm, Coleta (Punk) Morris; Anita Jones; Cindy (Fred) Walls; and nephews Duane Keele; Donald (Linda) Elliott, and Jimmy Coward.

Ruby was a feisty, smart, determined woman, full of life, who loved her work and cherished her family. She and M.L. loved traveling throughout the US. She was a great cook, and loved preparing wonderful meals for her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all those who loved her.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 5, 2018 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm. at Harper/Talasek Funeral Home, 503 North Main, Belton, TX 76513. Funeral Service will be the following day, Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at 1:00 pm. also at Harper/Talasek.

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