Ruby J. Hawkins 1942-2023

She was born in Lordstown, on Aug. 4, 1942. Ruby was the daughter of the late Rufus H. and Edith Carlson Johnson.

Following high school graduation, Ruby obtained her bachelor’s degree in education from Kent State University, and worked as a teacher for LaBrae school district. She continued her education at Westminster College and received her master’s degree in education. Ruby retired from teaching in 1994, as the principal at Bascom Elementary School.

For anyone who knew Ruby: most would describe her as a generous, kind-hearted person who had a passion for cooking and then taking her meals and feeding family, friends or whomever else she thought needed some good, wholesome meals. Ruby was a faithful servant and was an active member of the Lordstown Christian Church. She was also a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, and the Trumbull area State Teachers Retirement System group. When she was wasn’t donating her time to the church or cooking in the kitchen, you could usually find her playing cards, especially on Tuesday.

On July 28, 1979, Ruby married her husband, Jerry L. Hawkins. Together they shared 39 years of marriage, until his passing on Dec. 4, 2018. Also preceding Ruby in death were her parents; sisters, Grace Penn and Ruth Parker; and her brothers, Frank, George and Ralph Johnson.

Ruby is survived by her three sisters, Mary Jo Bofenkamp of Niles, Elsie Johnson Whetzel Fowler and her husband, Richard of Newton Falls, and Anna and her husband, Frank Hirschinger of Fowler; numerous nieces and nephews; great-nieces and -nephews; and great-great-nieces and -nephews.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 14, 2023, at James Funeral Home, with Pastor Norman Witthuhn officiating.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug.13, 2023, at the funeral home, and again, from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Lordstown Cemetery.

The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Lordstown Christian Church, 6370 Tod Ave. SW, Warren, OH 44481, in Ruby’s memory.

Arrangements for Ruby have been entrusted to James Funeral Home, 8 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, 330-872-5440.

Family and friends may view this obituary online and may send their condolences by visiting the funeral home website at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.

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