Ruby Evelyn Hodge, 96, went home to be with her family on Dec. 12, 2015. Surrounded by her children, she earned her wings after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

She was the seventh of eight children born to Haste and Harriet Hodge on April 5, 1919, in Rio, and was a member of Palestine Baptist Church. She graduated from Bogalusa High School in 1937, and earned her R.N. degree from Baptist Hospital in New Orleans.

Ruby served as a U.S. Army Air Force nurse from 1941-1946, and was a World War II Veteran. She retired from the Gulfport VA after a 50-year nursing career.

Ms. Hodge was a lifetime Past Royal Matron of the Order of Amaranth, a Worthy Matron of Eastern Star, and a founding member of the Gulf Coast Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and also her siblings Inez Jenkins, Irene Vaughn, Ellie Johnson, Verdie Mae Meyers, Alvis Hodge, Claudie Hodge, and Frances Willis; her son–in-law, Jack Robertson; great-granddaughter, Chloe Hayden Vonder Bruegge; and step great-grandson, Zack Whitfield.

Survivors include her children, Laney Vonder Bruegge Robertson of Pace, Fla., Charles Ronald Vonder Bruegge Sr. (Linda) of Long Beach, Miss., and George Henry Vonder Bruegge II (Wendy) of Isabel; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one great–great-grandson, and numerous nephews, nieces, friends, and loved ones. Special thanks to our angel, Deborah, Ruby’s Deaconess Hospice nurse.

On Tuesday, Dec. 15, visitation was held for family from 11 a.m. to noon, and for friends from noon to 2 p.m. at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service.

Interment was at Palestine Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Fred Brumfield and the Rev. Grant McLain officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association.

To view and sign the register book, visit online at pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.