Ruby Petty

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Ruby Petty, 76, of Webb City, passed away on April 12, 2023, in her home.

Ruby was born on May 19, 1946, to Sylvester and Daisy Cockrell in Waurika, Oklahoma. After graduating from Comanche High School in 1964, she went on to study Medical Laboratory Science at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma.

She married Ronnie Smith on December 28th, 1964, going on to have two sons, Wade and Eric. Ruby graduated from Cameron University in 1968 and pursued a career in the medical field as a Laboratory Technician. Ronnie and Ruby divorced in 1977.

She married Floyd (Buck) Petty in 1978 and they were united until Buck passed away in 2006 after a battle with cancer. Ruby and Buck spent many weeks at the lake, each year, with their family, and were lifelong fans of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvester and Daisy, her stepfather, Walter, her husband, Buck, and her two brothers, Roy, and Sam. 

She is survived by her children, Wade Smith and his wife, Amy, of Lisle, IL, Bryon Petty of Joplin, MO, Eric Smith and his wife, Mindy, of Carl Junction, MO, five grandsons, Trey, Coltyn, Christian, Trenton, and Bennet, and one granddaughter, Grayson. Ruby is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Patty Reeder and husband, David, of Webb City, MO, and Karen Ellison and husband, Larry, of Lakehills, TX.

Ruby wished that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers. There will be a graveside service at 10:00 AM on May 19, 2023, at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, 415 North St. Louis, Joplin, MO.




Funeral arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Ruby.