Ruby Norene Lanier Brown, age 94 of Italy, passed away on September 4, 2010 at her home with her loving family at her side.

Ruby was born on February 9, 1916 to Henry and Bessie Fudge Lanier in Itasca, Texas. She was raised in the Bell Branch community and attended Maypearl schools.

She married the love of her life, William Garrison Brown in 1935 in Italy. They were blessed with three wonderful daughters.

In addition to being a wife and mother, Ruby worked at the sewing factory in Italy and for Jan Dress in Waxahachie. She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Italy.

“Ruby Duby”, as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren and daughters’ friends, loved kids and chaperoned parties at her home for her daughters and their friends. She was a room mother at Italy ISD. Even in her 90s, she was very active. She recently enjoyed a trip to Disneyland and had a great time riding the Ferris wheel.

She was famous for her quick wit, stubborn nature, adventurous spirit and world renowned banana pudding. For years, Ruby quilted with other ladies at the Italy Senior Citizen’s Center. Her beautifully crafted quilts are one of the legacies she leaves for her family. She loved working in her yard, cooking and visiting with her best friend, Olga Vargas.

Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the loves of her life. Ruby was an avid domino player and taught each one of her grandchildren to skillfully play. She will greatly be missed by her family, her friends and the Friday fish bunch at the Uptown Café.

She was preceded in death by her husband, W.G. Brown; daughter, Rosalie Helms; and brothers, David Lanier, Henry Lanier, Raymond Lanier and R.C. Lanier.

Ruby is survived by daughters Billye Jean Windham and husband Joe of Navarro Mills and Katrina Brinkerhoff and husband Ree of Nevada; grandchildren Gary Helms, Kevin Helms and wife Kathy, Tammy Compton and husband Rowdy, Traci Sims, Cyndi Pugh and husband John, Bill Armstrong and Tina Marshall; 27 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, September 5 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Chapel in Italy. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 6, 2010 at the chapel.

Pall Bearers are Gary Helms, Kevin Helms, Bill Armstrong, David Paul Wiggins, Leland Helms and Justin Helms. Honorary Pall Bearers are Doug Turbeville and Matt Turveville.