March 14, 1926

March 14th is Mama's Birthday. The picture included on this post is my favorite picture of her because I think it captures both her beauty and her spirit. It does not capture how hard she has always worked and how selfless she is. Mama stays busy all of the time whether in the kitchen, in the garden or just sweeping the acorns off the driveway. But even when she is really busy, it seems like she always finds time to listen or talk or help.

A few years ago, Daddy called me from Loma Linda, California where he and Mama were staying while he recieved proton radiation for prostate cancer. He wanted to talk about the new YMCA in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. He thought the Y would be good for the area and that naming it for Mama would be a special way to honor her life of selfless devotion to her family.

Several of us collaborated on a plaque to be hung in the lobby of the Ruby C. Hunt YMCA.

On the anniversary of Mama's Birthday, here is the full text of that plaque:

Ruby Hunt has brought joy, beauty, love, laughter, faith, and hope into the lives of many people. Her hard work, determination, patience and sense of humor have enabled her to be the best she can be at whatever she does.

In 1926, Ruby Crowder was the first child born to Plato Dixon and Vada Spangler Crowder. Ruby was raised on a farm in Lattimore and graduated from Lattimore High School. She attended Appalachian State University where she was chosen by her classmates to represent them on the May Court.

Ruby married her childhood sweetheart Jack Hunt in 1946, and they began an eventful life together. After military service during WWII and the Korean War, they settled in Cliffside, where Jack practiced dentistry. Later, they returned to Cleveland County to raise their five daughters. Ruby's pleasant nature and dedicated work ethic allowed her to successfully manage several retail businesses in Western North Carolina. She balanced her work and a happy atmosphere at home with elegance, making it look effortless. Ruby has always made time for her family by reading with the children, making clothes for them, and instilling in them Christian values by showing love and patience to each child. She has contributed to her community by volunteering with local charities and preparing many home cooked meals for family and friends.

In 1972, Jack ran for political office and served in the North Carolina House of Representatives, traveling between Raleigh and Cleveland County for twenty-two years. During his tenure he served two terms as Speaker Pro Tempore. Ruby accompanied him on trips to Raleigh and served as Chaplain of the Sir Walter Cabinet where she researched and presented devotionals on living a meaningful life. Ruby has always been Jack's most faithful supporter. In fact, most people say the best thing about Jack is Ruby!

Ruby’s Cookin’ is a term that has and will forever be used to describe the many ‘spur of the moment’ dinners held in Raleigh and Lattimore. People from all walks of life are welcomed to the Hunt’s table complete with country ham, biscuits, cornbread and fresh vegetables from the garden. Ruby’s home and kitchen have become known as a place where harmony prevails.

Ruby Hunt says that children spell love T-I-M-E. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother her gift of love is simple and unconditional, a Corinthian example of the truest way to show love to others.

Happy Birthday Mama. I love you.