Ruby Sue Holstine Garner
Funeral services for Ruby Sue Holstine Garner, 76, Franklin, Tennessee and formerly of Gepp, Arkansas, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 6, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Garner passed away Monday, July 1, 2024 in Franklin, Tennessee.
She was born October 23, 1947, at Viola, Arkansas, to Lue Raymond Holstine and Mary Jane Hopkins Holstine. Ruby graduated from Viola High School in 1965. She attended Arkansas State University where she earned a Bachelor’s in Education in 1969 and later earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Grand Canyon University. On May 25, 1973, she was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Doyle Fields Garner, who preceded her in death on November 13, 2015. Mrs. Garner was a high school English teacher, instructing thousands of students in her 41 years of teaching at West Plains High School. She was a member of the Prairie Grove Church of Christ for many years. She enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, antiques and restoring furniture. She loved cooking for her family and spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her sisters, Mary Jo Holstine Baker and Bonnie Fay Holstine Spencer; four children, Gary Wayne Garner (Kristi), LeAnn Garner Tice (Greg), James Ray Garner (Lacey) and Michael Alan Garner; five grandchildren, Kaitlin Tice, Jarett Tice, Noah Fields Garner, Ella Grace Garner and Emma Rose Garner; one niece, Treva Baker Cotter (Gary) and one nephew, Adam Kyle Spencer.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Doyle, and one niece, Julie Ann Baker.
Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in County Line Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Paragould Children’s Home and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Bonnie Spencer
July 2, 2024 @ 1:56 pm
You have done an excellent job!
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
July 2, 2024 @ 5:31 pm
The Garner Families, Mary Baker, and Bonnie Spencer,
We all extend our Deepest Sympathy to each of you on the passing of Ruby. My parents, Norris & Ivene Cozort, and us will be keeping all of you in our daily prayers and thoughts. Ruby was a wonderful Christian lady and a friend to my parents and us. Also, my Dad and I were colleagues of Ruby’s at West Plains High School too. She was an excellent educator who cared about her students being successful and helped them out in any way she could to help them accomplish this. She was a true caring friend and adored our son, Corby Lee as well. Wonderful memories of her to cherish daily. During this time may God provide each of you peace, comfort, strength, and encouragement. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris & Ivene Cozort
Amber(Cozort), Tim, and Corby Redburn
Jeff lung
July 3, 2024 @ 8:08 pm
So sorry for your loss ,
Cynthia Eades Lee
July 2, 2024 @ 5:39 pm
My thoughts and prayers for the family. I was fortunate to have Mrs. Garner my Junior year (1988). She really pushed me and helped me the most. A very understanding and sweet person.
Teresa Eldringhoff Romans
July 2, 2024 @ 6:25 pm
LeAnn and family, my most sincere condolences.
LeAnn Tice
July 8, 2024 @ 10:50 am
Thank you, Teresa, for your thoughts of us at this time.
LeAnn
Sherry Brotherton
July 2, 2024 @ 6:46 pm
Mrs. Garner was a wonderful teacher and a sweet friend. She was a mentor to so many students and I’m proud to be one of them. Later when I became a teacher we became friends. Thank you Ruby Garner for being such a positive influence n my youth and beyond.
Joseph Collins
July 3, 2024 @ 11:43 am
I had known Ruby for a long time she was a true Christian lady, and she was a sweetheart, I hate to hear of her passing !!
Greg Carter
July 2, 2024 @ 6:52 pm
Simply one of the best teachers I had in my high school career at West Plains. Mrs. Garner will be missed. Thank you, Mrs. Garner for showing me how to love a great story no matter the age,
Carla (Farel) Brashers
July 2, 2024 @ 6:54 pm
My favorite teacher. In middle school, she took the time to teach me one on one; Making sure I understood what she was teaching. This made a lasting impression on me. She was so kind and patient. The world needs more people like her.
Prayers to her family.
Kari Moore
July 2, 2024 @ 7:00 pm
Class of 1982. Had Mrs Garner as a teacher. Use to run into her on occasion at Rameys and we use to always have a chat. Nice lady. Condolences to the family and close friends.
Kari Moore
Aaronda Horton
July 2, 2024 @ 9:17 pm
James and Family,
We are thinking of you during this time of loss and sorrow and sending our love. Praying for your peace and comfort.
Sincerely,
Aaronda Horton & Betty Horton
Betsy Barnes Pipkin
July 2, 2024 @ 10:57 pm
LeAnn,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. You and your family and the boys and their families will be in my prayers.
LeAnn Tice
July 8, 2024 @ 10:49 am
Betsy,
Thank you so much for the ivy plant at Mom’s service. It is beautiful & I brought it home with me. Thank you, too, for your thoughts & prayers.
LeAnn
Vickie (Briscoe) Lawrence
July 3, 2024 @ 8:54 am
Miss Holstine (Garner) was my sophomore English teacher in 1971. I remember I had her class the period right after lunch and her classroom was directly across from the upstairs office – obviously, she made an impression on me. She was not only an exceptional teacher, she was an exceptional person. No matter what “attitude” students brought to class, she handled it calmly, politely, with poise and ALWAYS with a smile. I credit her with my success in college English classes and researching and writing endless “term” and “research” papers. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Joyce French
July 3, 2024 @ 2:18 pm
So very sorry. She was a fantastic lady. I know she’ll be missed.
Sabrina Hicks
July 3, 2024 @ 4:31 pm
Ruby was one of the best teachers I had. She was always so calm and supportive. She inspired me to become a teacher. Sending the family condolences during this difficult time.
Wanita Breedlove
July 7, 2024 @ 12:40 pm
Mrs Garner was my 11th grade English teacher. She was a very fair teacher and one of my favorites for all my school years. Fast forward several years and we reunited and became good friends. After she moved to be close to her kids and grandkids I missed her dearly. I checked in with her from time to time but not nearly enough.. I will miss her forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Jennifer Horsman Barnett
July 15, 2024 @ 8:57 pm
LeAnn – I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a dear and kind lady, and I enjoyed having her for English. She treated her students with respect, and I’ve thought of her many times over the years as I helped my boys with their assignments. I know she will be missed. Prayers of peace and comfort to you and your family in these coming months.