Ruby Pearl Darby was born on September 12, 1938 in Opelika, Alabama to James Torbert and Elizabeth Torbert (Stinson). She was the sixth of twelve children born to James and Elizabeth. Ruby obtained her education from Sanford High School in Opelika Alabama.

At an early age, she accepted the love and promise of everlasting life with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at Green Chapel Baptist Church in Auburn, Al. After moving to Cleveland, Ohio in 1964, she became a member of Burning Bush Baptist Church under the initial leadership of Rev. Lee James Jones, until his passing to the current leadership of Pastor Barbara Watson.

As a young woman, she met the love of her life, John Robert Darby, and they were married in 1961. This union lasted 53 years before his call to heaven in 2014. From this union, John and Ruby had three children, Keith, Trent and Erica, all of Cleveland, Ohio. Ruby Darby was a loving wife and mother who loved and cherished her family dearly.

Ruby Pearl exemplified her name; she was a true gem to all whose lives she touched.  A woman of strength, wisdom, peace and patience, she exuded God’s love. Ruby was passionate about her family and expressed her love for them through her actions. Ruby and John opened their home to everyone and was always willing to help. She was a mother to many. She was very proud of her children, grand-children and great grand-children, and would light up when she spoke about them. She never stopped trying to be there for them, even as her health declined. She had a way of letting everyone know just how special they were to her. She enjoyed talking to her sisters and cousins on the phone daily. Her calm spirit could tame a storm. Even in her restless moments, God’s light continued to shine through her and she never stopped expressing her love to her family.

After relocating to Cleveland, Ohio, Ruby worked for National Cleaners SEUI Local 1 for 20 years before taking an early retirement to begin a career at the University Hospitals of Cleveland. She worked there for over 20 years until her retirement in 2011. Ruby was an extremely hard working woman, taking pride in everything that she did. She received recognition for perfect attendance and being an exemplary employee, and someone that you can count on.

On Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023, our Lord and savior gifted Ruby her crown of victory and she peacefully entered into His rest.  She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings; John Wesley Torbert, Ermest Trimble, James A. Torbert , Normal Torbert, Eddie Torbert,  Climmie Torbert, Elmore Torbert Sr.

Ruby leaves to cherish her memory her children, Keith Darby (Patricia), Trent Darby and Erica Darby (Yerik); sisters, Gladys Reese (Flint, MI.) and Lizzie Ford (Cleveland, OH); brother, Harvey Torbert (Rose); sister-in-laws, Mary Charles Humphries (Opelika, AL.), Annie Lou Torbert  (Opelika, AL.) and Darlene Torbert (Flint, MI.); two god-daughters, Kim Cochran and Charnae Payne; nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.