Ruby Moles Franklin

Ruby J. Moles Franklin was born on September 29, 1918 on a farm near Chamblissburg, Virginia. She was the third daughter of the late George Wilson and Lillian Motley Moles. This is Ruby’s 100th year and her passing is the end of an era for her family and friends. She started her life riding in a horse and buggy, and as her life ends there are plans for colonizing the planet Mars!

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, John Paul Franklin, Sr., a daughter-in-law, Loretta Clark Franklin of Cranbrook, BC, Canada (formerly of Bedford, VA), a grandson, Jeremy Franklin Edmonds of Fredericksburg, VA, a granddaughter, Felicia Hair Collins of Brandywine, MD and her sisters; Dorothy McManaway of Mineral Springs, VA, Aurelia Tate of Salem, VA, Mary Williams of Chamblissburg, VA, brothers; Aubrey Moles of Salem, VA, Edward Moles of Goodview, VA, and Alvin Moles of Prairie du Sac, WI (formerly of Mineral Springs, VA).

She is survived by her four children; Sarah F. Hair of Windsor Mill, MD, Richard Franklin of Fortine, MT, John Paul Franklin, Jr. (Brenda) of Appomattox, VA, and Betty F. Tate (Michael) of Salem, VA, 8 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings; Bernard Moles of Goodview, VA, Elery M. Shrewsbury of Chamblissburg, VA, George Walker Moles (Lavonia) of Chamblissburg, VA, Rachel M. Saunders of Moneta, VA, and sisters-in-law; Julia Franklin McDaniel of Salem, VA, Mildred T. Moles of NC, and Gloria H. Moles of Prairie du Sac, WI. She also has numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruby devoted her life to her husband, children, extended family and friends. She worked faithfully in her church, and in her community. She supported her husband during his year of service in Germany and Belgium during World War II. She was his helpmate and partner in the operation of Wonder Dairy Farm in Chamblissburg, VA and later re-located to a larger farm near Body Camp, VA. Wonder Farm became a showplace for the latest farming techniques and newest technology in the dairy business.

In 1966 they sold their farm and dairy business in order for Paul to accept a call to the Baptist ministry. They both graduated from Fruitland Bible College in Hendersonville, North Carolina and Ruby was the first woman graduate from there. During their ministry they served eight Southern Baptist churches in Virginia and Maryland.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 19 at Beaverdam Baptist Church, Chamblissburg, VA at 1:30 – 3pm, and Services begin at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Beaverdam Baptist Church Missions Program, P.O. Box 815, Vinton, VA 24179. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory Bedford is assisting the family.