Ruby Lea Whitehead

Ruby Lea Kirkham Whitehead, went to be with her Lord Wednesday, April 25, 2012. A long-time resident of the Houston/Cleveland area, she was born to parents Mirl and Jessie Long on October 19, 1933 in Payne County Oklahoma (Stillwater area). Her family moved to Cleveland in 1950, she worked as an aide at Leggett Memorial Hospital while attending Cleveland High School. After graduating in 1952, Ruby enrolled at University of Houston receiving her Resistered Nursing Degree from Herman Memorial Nursing School. While attending Herman, Ruby married Dr. Sam Kirkham on October 31, 1953. She served as Director of Nursing at Little York Hospital for 13 years before she and Dr. Kirkham opened the Spring Medical Clinic in 1970. While building a successful medical clinic, Sam and Ruby also ventured into the “shrimping” business with a fleet of 15 shrimp boats which included the “Ruby K” and “Ruby K II”. Ruby served as President of the American Business Woman’s Associations in 1975 and was named Woman of the Year that same year. Ruby was preceded in death by Dr. Kirkham, as well as her father and mother. In 1988 in Las Vegas NV, Ruby married the love of her life J. Hardy Whitehead, which brought into her life a daughter to cherish, nurture and love. After returning to Cleveland in 1994, the businesses of Ruby and Hardy continued to flourish. They loved traveling and were always there for family and friends. Ruby has spent the past 15 years volunteering as Director of the Cleveland Regional Medical Center Gift Shop. Ruby is survived by her husband J. Hardy Whitehead, daughter Rhonda Gwin and husband Dean; granddaughter Anna and grandson Will; sister Delores Burt and husband Eddie; brothers Don Long and wife Fran, Bobby Long and wife Okie as well as many, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends beyond measure. The family would like to thank Compassionate Care Hospice, Libby, Joe and Cathy for the love and caring extended to Ruby! The family will welcome friends for visitation held Monday, April 30, 2012, 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, Cleveland, Texas. Pastor Bobbie Maltas will preside over funeral services being held Tuesday, May 1, 2012, 1:00 p.m. at Pace-Stancil Chapel. Graveside services will follow at 3:30 p.m., Resthaven Cemetery, 13102 North Frwy, Houston, TX 77060.