Ruby Peoples

Please see the service time and location below.

Mother Ruby Peoples was called home to be with the Lord on May 7, 2026, at Four Peaks Medical Center.

Ruby Peoples was born on August 15, 1937, in Crockett, Texas, to the union of Edgar and Pearl Gunnels-Denby. Ruby was the third of twelve children. Her family moved to Arizona when she was seven years old. She was blessed with one daughter and two stepchildren.

She attended 40th Street School and George Washington Carver High School. She accepted the Lord as her Savior at an early age and was a very active member in the church. She was a member of Willow Grove Baptist Church for many years. Later, she met the love of her life, Deacon Joe Louis Peoples, and they married. She then moved to Tucson, where she attended Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church.

Ruby served faithfully as Church President, taught Sunday School and Bible Study, and held various other positions. Her passion was cooking—she loved preparing meals and watching others enjoy her food. She was an exceptional cook with limitless skills.

Ruby worked at Raytheon, where she received awards for her hard work. After retiring, she dedicated her remaining time to caring for and supporting her husband until his transition. She later moved to Apache Junction to be closer to family. She was always a servant at heart and will be greatly missed. Life’s race well run, crown received—now she can rest.

She leaves to cherish her memory:

Daughter: Patricia A. Anthony

Stepchildren: Gregory Nelson • Loretta Hudson

Granddaughters (5): Felicia Adams • Ashanna Soto • Talonya Adams • Donella Adams • Robin Adams

Great-grandchildren: 15 Great-great-grandchildren: 9

Siblings: • Jack Demby – Phoenix, AZ • Harry Demby – Phoenix, AZ • Viola Wooten – Sun Valley, NV • L.W. Wooten – Pahrump, NV • Asya (Dawud) Al‑Aleem – Oklahoma City, OK

And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Those who preceded her in death:

Parents: Father Edgar Denby • Mother Pearl Wooten

Siblings and Loved Ones: John Cooper • Rufus Denby Sr. • John L. Denby Sr. • Ed Denby • Andrew Denby • Gussie Wooten • Winnie Walker • Rose Denby • Willie M. Denby

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