Ruby Barnwell

"1934 – 2016" Canton – Ruby Barnwell, 82, passed away on December 20, 2016 at Haywood Regional Medical Center. A native of Buncombe County, she was a daughter of the late Robert George and Annie Sales Barnwell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Marie Stallings; and two brothers, Leamer (Bud) and CB Barnwell. Ruby was one of seven children, raised on the Barnwell family farm and saw mill. She learned responsibility and what a joy it was to help others at an early age. Upon graduating high school in Fairview, Ruby turned her love of helping others into a long career as a caregiver. She became part of the Canton community at age 17 as a caregiver for Columbus N. and Narkie Wright. Upon their deaths in 1958 and 1971, she became a caregiver for their son, George W. Wright. Ruby eventually retired as a CNA from Silver Bluff Nursing Home in Canton. She had many nieces and nephews that she looked after and encouraged to go to college. Ruby took great pride in their careers and lives and was always one you could turn to for help and encouragement. She touched the lives of many in the Canton community. Ruby loved Jesus and has gone to be with him – she will be missed by those of us left behind. She is survived by two sisters, Beadie Morgan of Fairview and Margaret Ford of Waynesville; one brother, James Barnwell of Fairview; and a sister-in-law, Leona Barnwell of Fairview. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 23, 2016 in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Christopher Willett officiating. Burial will follow at Emma's Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Fairview. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

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