Ruby Nell Albritton was born in the farming country near Dothan, Alabama during the Great Depression. In the wee hours of Saturday, June 13th, 2020, her frail body succumbed to the stresses of extended illness. She passed from us in exactly the manner she had hoped she would – quietly, in no pain, in her own bed at home, with loved ones near. She was 87 years old.
Ruby was a fiercely loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. As the spouse of a US Coast Guard officer, she had the opportunity and distinction of making homes for her family in locales familiar and exotic, ranging from Ledyard, Connecticut to Wilmington, North Carolina and from Miami, Florida to the island of Guam in the Western Pacific and several others. She made homes out of military Quonset huts, ancient inner-city apartments, and in newly-built suburban neighborhoods. Ruby was expert in the art of homemaking and was unashamed to say so.
Ruby was a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends, not only on holidays and special occasions but as a profound duty to her family, morning, noon, and night. Meals were always sit-down affairs. Her children learned table manners at an early age, elbows never on the table, fingers used only on fowl, utensils applied deftly, and always, always, always, permission asked to leave the table. With southern heritage and a military up-bringing her home would sing with the sound of “Yes Sir – No Sir”, “Yes Ma’am – No Ma’am”. These things, writ large in the psyche of each of her children and continuing to this day, set a foundation for future generations.
Ruby is survived by her husband of 65 years, Captain Kenneth D. Albritton, Sr. USCG (Ret.), daughter Donna Knemeyer of Newport News, Virginia, son Carl Albritton of Safety Harbor, Florida, son Kenneth D. Albritton, Jr. of Seffner, Florida, daughter Cathryn Demarest of Apopka, Florida, and Margaret Aikens of Douglasville, Georgia. There is but one sin that Ruby would freely admit to: her boundless pride in the family that carries her gentle, caring spirit into the future – five children, 13 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She told stories of this family to friends and strangers at every opportunity and the supreme joy she garnered from this sharing provided the strength that carried her through the toughest moments of her final years.
On Saturday, June 27th, 2020, a viewing will begin at 10:00 AM, with a funeral service celebrating Ruby’s extraordinary life at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception at 12:00 PM at Veteran’s Funeral Care, 830 N Belcher Rd., Clearwater, FL 33765. (727) 524-9202
Dear Donna and Family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. May you take great comfort in the fact that she is no longer suffering and in a better place. Remember the good times and cherish them always. If there is anything I can help with – please reach out. Take care and with love. Becky
Donna and Family nothing in this world replaces the loss of your mother. I can see that she was indeed a remarkable woman with a beautiful spirit. In your grief find joy that she is not no pain. In your sad moments think of happier times when she was there for you and you got to enjoy her loving touches in your life. Earth has no sorry that heaven can not heal. May God Bless and keep you during this difficult time and hold you in the palm of his hand. Hugs to you. Karen MW