Ruby Ely

Ruby Carnes Locke Ely, 89, passed away Saturday, November 22 at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, TN. Ruby had resided at the Ben Atchley State Veteran Home in Knoxville since 2013.

Ruby was born in Dewitt, KY on March 16, 1925, the second eldest of sixteen children of General Lee and Axie Carnes. She grew up learning much about responsibility, perseverance and hard work, taking on the role of caregiver at an early age. Ruby was a skilled homemaker, known for her great cooking skills, especially chicken and dumplings and delicious homemade cakes. An outstanding gardener who believed in wasting nothing and sharing generously with others the fruits of her labor. A devoted wife and mother, Ruby's proudest accomplishment was her children and family which she always placed foremost in her life. Through her generous love and kindness she was known as a second mom to many of her children's friends and others she met throughout life.

In 1946 Ruby was united in marriage to George M. Locke and to their union three children were born. Axie Elizabeth, Matthew Locke (Connie) of Barbourville, KY and Kaye Elmore of (Oak Ridge, TN). Both George and infant Axie Elizabeth preceded Ruby in death. In 1987 Ruby was united in marriage to Orville Ely at which time she moved to Oak Ridge.
Orville preceded her in death in May 2014. Throughout their marriage Ruby and Orville enjoyed many wonderful travel adventures throughout each of the states, often accompanied by friends or family. They were members of Royce Baptist Church where they actively enjoyed time and fellowship with the Young at Heart Group.

Also preceding Ruby in death were brothers Kenneth, Leonard, Silas(Sie), James and Bob Carnes, sisters Lorene Ward and Mary E. Akers, son-in-law Don Elmore. In addition to her son and daughter, Ruby is survived by sisters Opal Martin, Clinton TN, Doris Asher, Lafollette TN, Genny Gregory, Charlestown IN, Alice Cheek, Barbourville KY, Shirley Beamer, Loveland OH, Pauline Bright, Flat Lick, KY, Evelyn Gray, Charlestown IN, Wilma Gray, Barbourville KY. Special family members, Merrell and Sheila Carnes, Crossville, TN, along with loving brothers- in- law, several nieces, nephews and many beloved friends.

The family will receive friends at Martin Funeral Home in Oak Ridge on Tuesday, November 25 from 5-7pm with funeral service at 7 with Pastor Mike Harbin of Royce Baptist Church. Interment and graveside service will be Wednesday, November 26 at 1 pm in the Barbourville Cemetery, Barbourville, KY. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Royce Baptist Church, 131 LaSalle Rd., Oak Ridge, TN 37830.

The family extends special thanks and recognition to Ruby's family of caregivers and staff of the Ben Atchley State Veteran's Home whose loving care was provided with kindness and respect. Also, to the special friends and family members who were so faithful with visits and phone calls which always brightened her day.

Ruby was a wonderful loving mother, a devoted wife, caring sister and friend, always willing to bear the burdens of others but never troubling others with her own. Her broad shoulders, simple presence and sweet smile will be forever missed by those blessed to know her and love her throughout her time among us.