Ruby Irene Vest

Ruby Irene Norton Vest, 85, of Tomball, Texas passed away on December 11, 2019, in Tomball.

She was born as Ruby Irene Norton on November 15, 1934, in New Orleans, Louisiana the first child of Myrtis Marion Norton and Lovie Anne (DeLee) Norton. While attending North Texas State University, she met Bill Vest and on January 22, 1955, they were united in marriage at North Texas First Baptist Church in Denton, Texas. Ruby graduated from Texas City High School with Honors in 1953 and in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree Summa Cum Laude in Elementary Education from North Texas State University. As an elementary school teacher, she continued her education earning a Master of Education, Education Leadership and Administration degree in 1971 also from her alma mater. In addition, she held a Texas Professional Elementary School Teachers Certification.

Ruby started piano lessons in Texas City at age 12, quickly mastering the instrument and playing it throughout her life. She was always quick to apply her pianist skills to play for herself, the family, the many churches and organizations she actively participated in. Later, at her Tomball Retirement Center home, she played piano daily for her friends and others that would sneak in for a half-hour session. Her piano remains at the Center donated to enable others to play and continue the enjoyment.

The piano led her to enjoy music across the spectrum. Her beautiful voice could be heard in solos and as part of the choir as well as teaching children’s choir at the First Baptist Church Carrollton and Centerville. Musically she mastered and enjoyed religious, classical and classical-jazz infused genres, especially Gershwin’s compositions.

Ruby was also accomplished, enjoyed and taught the creation and appreciation of art. She painted still-life, portraits, created large mixed-media art pieces as well as decorating exhibits and beautifully meticulous gift wrapping. These artistic skills and educational competence made her the teacher who was sought by students and parents alike. She dedicated 35 years to students as an Elementary School teacher in the Carrollton and Farmers Branch ISD teaching 2 ^nd , 4 ^th and 6 ^th grade students. The day she retired from teaching was commemorated by the school district superintendent as Ruby Vest Day.

As a life-long Christian with strong religious beliefs, she developed a keen understanding of the Bible and its teachings. These strengths she carried through to active involvement in her church, beyond a pianist and choir member to teaching Sunday School and Bible study. She was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star (Tomball and Buffalo) for further Bible study and like-minded camaraderie.

Ruby is survived by: daughter Carrie Laine Gracey (Craig) of Tomball; sons: Russell Norton Vest (Renee) of Austin and Scott David Vest (Daisy) of Cypress; sister: Carolyn Kitzman of Pattison; brother: Richard DeLee Norton, I (Patricia) of Houston; and grandchildren: Victoria Leigh Sanders (Dylan), Alana Darrow Vest, Jenna Gracey Edge (Philip), Austin Norton Vest, and Jordan DeLee Gracey (Sarah); nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband for 63 ½ years Bill Vest, parents, and daughter Valerie DeLee Vest.

Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to the:

Leon County Retired Teachers Association

c/o Jackie Morrow, PO Box 6, Oakwood, Texas 75855

Order of the Eastern Star Tomball Chapter #838

600 Kane Street, Tomball, Texas 77375

Tomball United Methodist Church

1603 Baker Drive, Tomball, Texas 77375