Ruby Miles Lester

Ruby Miles Lester, age 86, was called home to Glory at her residence in Evansville IN on September 2, 2015. She was born January 4, 1929 in Canton, Mississippi to Nyches and Iona Watkins Miles who preceded her in death.

She worked hard all of her life from the cotton fields on her father’s farm in Canton to the lines at Whirlpool with 20 years of service.

After retiring from Whirlpool where she became a lifetime Associate, she became a Foster Grandparent with C.A.P.E. at St. Vincent’s Day Care where she was affectionately called “Grandma Ruby” by all. After 15 years, she stepped down when her health started to decline. She also worked many years for Joe and Martha Shetler of Shetler Moving & Storage. She loved attending Carver Adult Day Care every day.

Ruby loved attending to her flowers. She could make the most beautiful flowers grow. People would stop and take pictures of her yard. She enjoyed cooking also. Her cooking was legendary throughout the city and in some states. She and her nephew, Dale, started a small catering service called “Gracie’s” that was named after her sister and Dale’s mother. People would actually stand in line for her cooking.

Ruby was such an immaculate woman. Everything had its place and everything was in its place.

She accepted Christ after moving to Evansville and joined Zion Baptist Church under the pastorship of Rev. John Caldwell. It was informally called the “Miles Family Church” by attendees. She remained a faithful and devoted member until she could no longer attend.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Lester; her son, Henry Lee Jones; three brothers: Walker, John, and James Miles; sisters: LaVern Goines, Aloma Daniels, and Gracie Baker; nieces and some nephews; one granddaughter; one great-granddaughter, one great-great grandson; a son-in-law, William Skull Gray.

She leaves to love and cherish her memory, her daughters: Linda Kay Boyd with whom she lived, Anna Jones Gray, Chan Miles of Boonville IN, and Inez Jones of Lorain OH; sons, Orlando (Ethel) Jones of Lorain OH and Stephen Miles of Evansville IN; a brother, Larry (Lisa) Miles; sisters, Diane and LeVon Miles; sisters-in-law: Sandra Miles of Indianapolis IN, Andrea Watkins, Mae Jean Townsend, and Gwendolyn Lester – all of Evansville IN; her best friend of many years, Jackie Taylor of Milwaukee WI; Rudolph Lester of Oakland CA; her extended family: Mozel Jones, Delisa Jones, and Jerry Jones – all of Evansville IN; and a host of nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, cousins, family and friends.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Hospice Southern Care representatives: Angie Julia, Julie, and Lori and Caregiver Senior Link representatives: Jessica and Allison.