RUBY NEIL

Ruby Lou Neil, 85, of Columbia, Missouri, and formerly of Canton, Missouri, gained her angel wings on, October 20, 2023, at her home in Columbia. She was born on November 2, 1937, in Monroe City, Missouri, to Loren Francis and Ruby Catherine (Hagan) Tewell.

Ruby Lou was married to Donald R. Neil on June 12, 1969, in Canton, Missouri, and together they shared many cherished years until Don’s passing on June 8, 2014.

Ruby Lou’s love language was cooking, and her culinary talents were legendary. Whether it was her melt-in-your-mouth crescent rolls, fudge, Mexican chicken linguine, or sinful Mississippi Mud pie, she was affectionately known as “Rubylicious,” and her greatest joy was in nourishing those she loved. She wasn’t just a cook; she was an artist, and her kitchen was her canvas.

Ruby Lou dedicated herself to raising a handful of children over 67 years as well as Shar-Pei pups, including Charlie, Blue, and Timmy. In her earlier years, she worked as a beautician in Canton, Missouri, and as a supervisor at Motorola in Quincy, Illinois. When the family business at Neil’s garage needed assistance, she stepped in without hesitation, becoming a proficient bookkeeper and even attained certification as a radiator technician.

In her later years, she found joy in the laughter of her grandchildren fishing for walleye at the family’s cabin on Upper Red Lake, and in her quiet moments, tending to her flowerpot garden, where she cultivated Jasmine, lemons, and limes on her back porch.

Ruby Lou leaves behind a legacy that stretches through time and generations. She is survived by six children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Randy Hill and his wife, Brenda, of Killeen, Texas; Robin Mayer and her husband, Tom, of Eureka, Missouri; Richard Hill and his wife, Laura, of Imperial, Missouri; Robert Hill and his wife, Sarah, of Columbia, MO; Brad Neil and his wife, Tammy, of Palmyra, Missouri; and Jeff Neil and his wife, Dawn, of Canton, Missouri.

Life has its moments of sorrow, and Ruby Lou endured her share. She’s preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Donald R. Neil, her brother John Francis (Joe) Tewell, sister Myrtle (Dee Dee) Hill, as well as one son, Rodney Hill of Ridgecrest, CA.

In a final tribute to this remarkable woman, a private family service will be held at the Holy Rosary Cemetery in Monroe City, Missouri. In the true spirit of Ruby Lou, the family kindly requests instead of flowers, memorials be sent to the charity of one’s choice.

Ruby Lou’s memory will forever be cherished, and her recipes will be shared, ensuring she lives on in the hearts and kitchens of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Online condolences can be left at arnoldsfuneralhome.com