Ruby J. Youngblood Tweedy

Ruby J. Youngblood Tweedy, age 91 years, a resident of Goreville, Illinois, passed away Friday morning, January 22, 2016, at 10:39 AM at her home. Ruby was born July 5, 1924 in Louisville, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Thomas Greely Smith and Sarah A. (Beasley) Smith. Ruby was united in marriage to Johnny Cecil Youngblood on October 6, 1940 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He preceded her in death on January 18, 2001. Ruby was later united in marriage to Clarence Tweedy, Jr. on October 28, 2006 in Cypress, Illinois. He survives. In addition to her husband, Ruby is survived by: her children – Janet Ruth (James) Matuszewski of Wasilla, Alaska, Johnny Cecil (Gracie) Youngblood and Dorse Wayne Youngblood all of Superior, Wisconsin, Mark Joseph (Corla) Youngblood of Omaha, Nebraska, and Cheryl Tweedy Stamp of Jonesboro; 14 grandchildren – James Cecil “Jay” Matuszewski, Johnny Cecil “J.C.” Youngblood, Stacie Emogene Patnode, Christopher Ray Youngblood, Donald Joel “D.J.” Youngblood, William Cox, Heather Major, Torin White, Richard York, Timothy York, Sarah York Adams, Camile Stamp Moorad, Amy Stamp Radanavong, & Bradley Stamp; several great grandchildren; a daughter-in-law – Lisa Youngblood and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and first husband, Ruby was preceded in death by: a Son – Walter Ray Youngblood, a daughter – Kathy Tweedy York; a great grandson – Johnny Cecil Youngblood, and 4 brothers – William Owen Smith, Otis T. Smith, Cecil Herman Smith and Jessie Smith. Ruby had been employed as an assembler for Coyl Industries, a manufacturing facility in Dwight, Illinois. She also provided in-home day care service and was a proud foster parent. Ruby was a member of the Anna Star Chapter # 522 Order of the Eastern Star , the Lake of Egypt Chapter of the Red Hat Society and the Cypress United Methodist Church. Ruby enjoyed making crochet handcrafted items, flower gardening, taking care of her lawn, reading, watching television, baking and cooking. She is fondly remembered for her love of dancing with Clarence. The family wishes to acknowledge all those who have provided tender and loving care to Ruby during her illness. A particular “thank you” to the caregivers of Celtic Hospice and to Lonnie & Judy Dunn with whom Ruby made her home for 5 years prior to her marriage to Clarence. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, January 26, 2016, at 1 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Kenny Baker will officiate. Burial will be in the Jonesboro City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 PM – 8 PM Monday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-1905.

Ruby J. Youngblood Tweedy

July 5, 1924 - January 22, 2016