RUBY KAPLAN (aka THE REBEL)

RUBY KAPLAN (aka THE REBEL), loving and devoted wife to the late Charles E. Kaplan and caring mother of Michael Kaplan (Mary), Karen Kaplan Hammond (Paul), and Kathryn Kaplan Stumpff (Jim), having completed her life of service, humor, and enjoying life here, moved on to her next adventure Friday, May 31, 2013 at the age of 89. Born February 9, 1924 in Smith County, TN, Ruby spent most of her adult life in Norris, Tennessee before moving to Sevierville to be close to her youngest grandchild. Ruby was a devout Catholic and regularly participated in church events and was a member of the Holy Cross Council of Catholic Women. She was strong in her faith and strongly influenced her children’s faith choices.

Ruby was a participant of the Manhattan Project war, having worked at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. After her children were out of elementary school, she joined the fight for education with Oak Ridge City Schools. Once resettled in Sevierville, Ruby continued her life of service by volunteering at her church, Sevier County Food Ministry, LeConte Medical Center, and Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Medical Clinic. Ruby was a fun, loving, and fun-loving mother and grandmother. She was adored by her family and will be remembered for her laughter, wisdom, gardening and cooking. Ruby loved to work in the yard. She planted gardens full of vegetables and flowers. The flowers were always beautiful, especially the pansies. She also was an avid bird watcher and had a “pet” blue jay. She demonstrated her competitive streak through frequent bridge games. Summer meals were always satisfying with all the fresh vegetables straight from the garden. Meals were often accompanied by homemade sour dough bread now referred to as “Gran Bread.” The family will never forget the meals with Jello. Who knew you could make so many different Jello dishes! Ruby loved her grandchildren and took every opportunity to spend time reading, playing, and even getting down on the floor and rough-housing with them. She also enjoyed playing card games – hearts, spades and rummy – with them. She often offered advice whether she was asked or not. She imparted her wisdom at every opportunity.

In addition to her children, Ruby is survived by her grandchildren, Charles Kaplan, Allison Kaplan, Kelly Stumpff, Dana Stumpff and Ryan Hammond. She was predeceased by her grandson, David Kaplan Ruby is also survived by two sisters, Helen Daniel and Gladys Swan, brother Francis Bullard, and sister-in-law Lois Bullard. Services will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dandridge/Jefferson City at 10 am Saturday June 8. Following the service a celebration of life will be held at the Chop House Banquet Room in Kodak from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Alzheimer’s Tennessee 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN. 37919  FARRAR FUNERAL HOME, DANDRIDGE 865-397-2711