Martha Lee Henderson Ruble

Martha Lee Henderson Ruble was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Harris Henderson of Jackson, MS born February 22, 1931. She attended Jackson public schools, and later Millsaps College. Martha graduated from The University of Mississippi in 1953 where she not only excelled academically, but also was voted a 'Beauty' by classmates. Martha remained an extremely active member of Kappa Delta sorority well past her college years as Past President as an Alumnus and Area Coordinator for prospective rushees. Upon graduation, Martha traveled throughout Europe before moving briefly to Clarksdale, MS, and then permanently to Gulfport, MS to teach school. She met her husband William Warren "Bill" Ruble, Jr. in Gulfport and the two married in 1956. He preceded her in death by six years after a 56 year long marriage. Bill and Martha raised three sons in Gulfport: Warren "Billy" Ruble III, John Henderson Ruble, and Norman Lee Ashford Ruble. The Rubles were lifelong members of the Gulfport Yacht Club where Bill served as Commodore and Martha served as President of the Women's Auxiliary. Martha was consistently active at the Yacht Club until her death. Martha was a member of the Board of Directors of the Gulf Coast Debutante Society for over 40 years; she was a member of the Coast Reveler's Association; and, importantly, she was member of St. Peter's By the Sea Episcopal Church for over 50 years. An avid theatre fan, Martha supported the Gulfport Little Theatre for many years. Martha maintained her youthful vibrancy by substitute teaching for decades until December 2012. Students were always delighted to be visited by their "favorite substitute teacher." Martha is survived by her three sons, her "adopted daughter", Lee Kimball Hayes; her sister, Harriet Henderson Stubblefield; her niece, Laura Stubblefield McLemore; and her great-niece, Ann Ashford McLemore. Martha left behind her legacy in this world with her family by her side on the third of February, 2013, Super Bowl Sunday. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to be made to St. Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church, 1909 15th St., Gulfport, MS 39501. A Memorial service for Martha will be held at St. Peter's by the Sea Episcopal Church on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 4:30 pm; prior, a visitation will be held at the William W. Ruble, Jr. Parish Hall at 3:00 pm. Following Mass, a reception will be held in the Parish Hall for one hour. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport, is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com