Ruby Dean Ezell, a member of the Athens community, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on Saturday, October 25th, 2025, at Athens Limestone Hospital. Born on August 4th, 1933, in Limestone County, Ruby was the daughter of Ervin and Ruby Brooks Ausley.
Ruby leaves behind a loving family who will forever treasure her memory. She is survived by her devoted children, Dianne Kilpatrick and her husband Pat, and Frankie Ezell and his wife Donna. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Hannah Kilpatrick, Martin Ezell and his wife Ashley, and Austin Ezell. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Miles Ezell and Owen Ezell, as well as several cousins and special friends who held a special place in her heart. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Hansel “Bill” Ezell.
Friends and family are invited to honor Ruby’s life at a visitation on Monday, October 27th, 2025, from 5:00 to 9:00pm at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow on Tuesday, October 28th, at 11:00am at the funeral home. Officiating the service will be David Cox and David “Danny” Ausley. Ruby will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Athens City Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers, Larry Holt, Danny Holt, Heath Dollar, Terry Andrews, Tommy Coblentz, and Gerald Crafts will have the solemn honor of carrying her to her final resting place. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Austin Ezell, Martin Ezell, Miles Ezell, Owen Ezell, and Hannah Kilpatrick.
Ruby was a remarkable woman, known for her kindness and her love for sewing, particularly her exquisite quilt making. Her quilts were not just pieces of art but tokens of love and warmth that she generously shared with those around her. She was also a woman of deep faith and a member of Market Street Church of Christ. Ruby’s presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. In this time of sorrow, the family finds comfort in the outpouring of love and support from friends and the community. Ruby’s spirit will live on in the hearts and quilts of those she touched.
