Ruby A. Oberley, 102, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, at her home in Centreville, Virginia, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on May 31, 1922, in Carbondale, Illinois, Ruby was the daughter of the late William and Jennie (Chapman) Waddington. Growing up during the Great Depression, she developed a strong work ethic and resilience that would define her life.
In 1952, Ruby married Raymond Oberley and embraced the role of a devoted homemaker, raising her son, Alvin, and three stepchildren — Kathy, Linda, and Gary — whom she loved as her own. After the marriage ended in 1965, Ruby courageously returned to Illinois with her son, starting anew with limited resources.
Determined to provide for her family, Ruby secured a position in the kitchen at Doctors Hospital in Carbondale. Through dedication and hard work, she rose to the role of head dietary cook, overseeing meal preparation and staff management. With support from her sister, Betty, and niece, Phyllis, she established a loving home for herself, her son, and later, her stepdaughter Kathy and grandson Tony during his medical treatments in St. Louis.
In 2019, following a hip injury, Ruby moved to Centreville, Virginia, to live with her son Alvin and daughter-in-law Hanh, where she spent her remaining years surrounded by family. In Ruby’s spare time she loved to bake. Some of her favorites are banana nut bread, zucchini bread, carrot cake, and dumplings family style.
Ruby is survived by her son, Alvin Oberley (Hanh Nguyen) of Centreville, VA; stepchildren, Kathryn Reed of Dunnellon, FL, and Garrett Oberley of Summerfield, FL; grandchildren, Tina Chester (Heath) of Ft. McCoy, FL, and Anthony “Tony” Reed (Stephanie) of Kissimmee, FL; great-grandchildren, Richard, Raelin, and Faythe of Kissimmee, FL, and Brianna and Arabella of Ft. McCoy, FL. She was preceded in death by her parents; stepdaughter, Linda Walker; sister, Beaulah Fisher; sister Betty L. Stearns; and brothers, James “Jim” Waddington, Monroe Waddington, Clarence “Junior” Waddington and Kenneth Waddington.
A special thanks to Phyllis Zimmerman, Ruby’s niece. Phyllis spent many years with Ruby, and they’ve gone through a lot together. Phyllis probably knows Ruby better than any of her children. Phyllis’s care and love for Ruby over the many years was greatly appreciated by her children.
A Graveside Service will be held to honor Ruby’s life Monday, May 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Boskydell Cemetery with Pastor Mike Young officiating.
Walker Funeral Home of Carbondale entrusted with arrangements.
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