Ruby Lucille Reid

Ruby Lucille Reid of Caro, age 88, was lovingly called home to Jesus on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at McLaren Regional Hospital – Lapeer, surrounded by her devoted children. 

Ruby was born on May 7, 1937, in Fairgrove, Michigan, to the late Ruby and Louie Horwath. On June 11, 1955, she married the love of her life, Donald Reid, in Caro. Together, they shared 54 wonderful years of marriage until Don’s passing in 2009. 

A woman of deep faith and generous spirit, Ruby was a lifelong member of the Caro United Methodist Church and, in recent years, became an active worshiper at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. 

Ruby’s heart for her community ran deep. As the longtime owner of Ruby’s Yarn and Fabric in Caro, she provided warmth—both in handmade pieces and friendship—for over 40 years. Her service included roles as Village Council Member, Mayor Pro Tem, Founding Member of the Tuscola Pumpkin Festival, and dedicated member of the Caro Community Hospital Board. She helped raise over $2 million for the Caro Hospital Endowment Foundation and was proudly named Caro’s Citizen of the Year in 1981. 

She was an endlessly creative soul—a gifted seamstress, quilter, and master knitter who found joy in mentoring others and inspiring their love of the craft. 

Over the last 12 years Ruby split her time between Caro and Palatine, Illinois, where she joined the Willow Stitchers, knitting baby blankets, hats, and prayer shawls for others in need. She also volunteered with the sewing team at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital and enjoyed the friendship and laughter of her weekly swim group at South Barrington Club, where Mahjong and Euchre were always on the agenda. 

Ruby loved to travel and never missed an opportunity to say “yes” to a new adventure. Her greatest joy, however, came from time spent with her family—especially her grandchildren. She delighted in altering prom dresses and dance costumes, attending every recital, competition and game. Her family—and many others—knew her best as “Grandma Ruby,” a name spoken with love and admiration. 

Ruby is survived by her children, Roger Reid of Caro, and Roxann (Reid) and Tim Severance of Palatine, Illinois; her cherished grandchildren, Kyle Reid and fiancée Lynette Jackson of Caro, Julia Severance of Denver, Colorado, and Tessa Severance of Grand Rapids, Michigan; her brother, Louis Horwath of Blind River, Ontario; and many adored nieces and nephews. 

Those wishing to honor Ruby’s memory are encouraged to support Ruby’s Yarn of Hope, which provides knitted hats to 2nd and 3rd graders in Tuscola County and baby blankets to the TLC Pregnancy Center in Elgin, Illinois. Contributions may be sent c/o Ruby's Yarn of Hope, 136 Golf Club Road, Caro, MI 48723. 

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Caro United Methodist Church with Rev. Robert Paul Demyanovich officiating. Burial will follow at Indianfields Township Cemetery in Caro. The family will receive visitors on Thursday at Ransford Funeral Home in Caro from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. Following the service, family and friends are invited to an open house in her honor at 3370 Coventry Court, Palatine, Illinois.