Ruby Kay Elrod

Ruby Kay Elrod, 94, of Clemson, SC passed away peacefully July 24, 2023, at Clemson Downs. She was born on January 18, 1929, in Honea Path, SC, the daughter of Minos Luther Kay & Estee Maddox Kay. She had two sisters, Elizabeth Sawyer (Everett, both deceased), and Martha Finley (George, deceased), and a brother, Robert Kay (deceased) (Faye).

Ruby married her husband of 66 years, Alvon Creighton Elrod (deceased), on September 7, 1951. They raised six children, Linda Elrod Craig (Bill), Alvon Creighton Elrod, Jr. (Maureen), Judith Elrod Dabney (Randy, deceased), Cheryl Elrod Washburn (Scott), Robert Clint Elrod (Shannon), and Harold William Elrod (Julie) in Clemson, SC. They also had 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. 

Ruby received her degree in commerce/business education from Winthrop College. She taught business classes at high schools, Anderson College, and Tri-County Tech.

A long-time member of First Baptist Church of Clemson, she treasured the Arrington-Esther Sunday School Class, her volunteer opportunities with the clothes closet, Bible School, and record keeping for Sunday School. She was active for many years in the Winthrop University Alumni Association’s Clemson Club and was a former Winthrop Alumni Association Executive Board member.

Ruby and Alvon shared a passion for gardening, and she canned and froze the bounty from the garden to use throughout the years. She was an excellent southern cook. She especially enjoyed cooking for the holidays. Ruby and her family cherished lifelong relationships with adopted university students from the church. She loved welcoming them as part of the family.

Ruby and Alvon delighted in hosting neighborhood gatherings and bridge parties, and square dancing for recreation. They traveled extensively to see their grandchildren graduate, marry, and welcome their great grandchildren to the world. She had a contagious laugh; you just had to laugh with her.

Her friends meant the world to her. She brought a lot of joy to this world and expressed it through her love and devotion to friends and family. Always willing to step up in times of need, Ruby provided nurturing care for her parents and mother-in-law in their declining years and comfort to friends going through struggles or times of loss.

Ruby’s generosity and devotion to education are evident in her choice to donate her body to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Gift of Body program for medical research.

In memory of Ruby and her mother, Estee Kay, Alvon and Ruby established an endowment fund for academic scholarships. Memorials may be made to the Winthrop University Foundation (notation Fund #1812); mail to Winthrop University Foundation, 2020 Alumni Drive, Rock Hill, SC 29733.

Alternatively, memorials may be made to the Clemson First Baptist Church, (notation Arrington-Esther Sunday School class); mail to Clemson FBC, 397 College Avenue, Clemson, SC 29631.

The family wishes to acknowledge the excellent care Ruby and Al received as residents of Clemson Downs.

A memorial service is planned for 2:00 PM, August 12, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Clemson with a reception to follow.

Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home is assisting the family.