Ruby Lee Doty Merchant, 84, of Morton, went home to be with our Lord, July 14, 2016. Ruby was born May 10, 1932 in Camden, MS. Following high school she moved to Jackson and worked for Kennington’s Department Store for several years. During that time she was introduced to and began dating J. Howard “Doc” Merchant. They were married on December 31, 1954, and Ruby and was a faithful, devoted wife. She was employed by several insurance companies before returning to her beloved Kennington’s for a time. Later she worked in the credit department at First National (Trustmark) Bank and then for several years as a ward clerk at the VA Medical Center nursing home. One of her most enjoyable jobs (hobbies), however was selling Stanley Home Products for several decades. Ruby was well known for her love of garage sales, poetry writing skills, telling jokes/riddles, teaching tongue-twisters, and baking sweets to share with others (especially divinity, chocolate pie and chocolate oatmeal cookies). She served her Lord in several capacities at the former Van Winkle Baptist church (Jackson, MS) in WMU, VBS, Sunday School and Training Union. Howard and Ruby moved to Morton after he retired from the Jackson Fire Department. Although her health began a gradual decline, she used her gift of encouragement for several years to send birthday/anniversary cards to members of Howard’s home church, Bethlehem Baptist Church in Forkville, MS. Ruby never met a stranger, had a special gift for drawing out the best in others and always set a godly example. Ruby is survived by her children – Ann (Allen) Fox, Jimmy (Melissa) Merchant and Shreree Crosby. She was Granny to four grandchildren – Shelby (Karen) Merchant, Blake (Kim) Crosby, Kristin Merchant, Logan Merchant and three great-grandchildren – Brecken, Haley and Autumn. She also is survived by siblings – William (Billy) Doty and Estelle Blackwell; a host of loving nieces, nephews and close family friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Howard “Doc” Merchant, her parents William (Bill) Doty and Madeline Doty, and her sister Coleene Purcell. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 18, 2016 from 6:30 PM until 8:00 PM at Wolf Funeral Services in Morton, MS. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Morton, MS. Burial will follow in the Morton Memorial Gardens in Morton, MS> Officiating will be Rev. Matt Armstrong. Wolf Funeral Services in Morton, MS will be in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family requests: Memorials and contributions: Bethlehem Baptist Church, 8055 Hwy. 13 N., Morton, MS 39117.