Ruby passed away peacefully in her Alliance home, with Family, transitioning into the loving
arms of Jesus after a courageous 15 year battle with alzheimer’s disease. Ruby was the youngest of three children born to Abiff and Anna Boykins Merrida. She was raised in Koenton, Alabama where she attended high school and excelled academically, socially and athletically, as she was
the class valedictorian, class president and the star player on the basketball team.

Ruby married George Coats in 1954 and after many years of marriage, they moved to Alliance
in 1969, leaving their eldest daughter with her budding Family in Alabama. They remained married for 45 years until George passed away in 1999.  Ruby continued in her line of work as
a Nurse’s Assistant, as she worked at Molly Starks Hospital and Sun Valley Nursing Home.
In her mid 70’s she worked as a coordinator at a senior day care center where she coordinated activities for the seniors who attended the center and they engaged in game playing, performing moderate exercises and she also conducted group discussions.

A woman of faith, Ruby loved attending church and had been faithful until her health began to fail.  She attended Tabernacle Baptist Church for many years before becoming a member of Anointed Fountain/Temple of Faith Church Of God and Christ. She enjoyed singing, listening to music, dancing, spending time with Family, friends  and her G-babies and she was a “masterful” spades player.

Her community commitment was highlighted by her work with the Daughters of IBOP of the World Grand Temple and as founding board member of the MLK Steering Committee, receiving the MLK Legacy Award in 2018.  Ruby served as the MLK Marshall in 2023 and she was the recipient of the JCPenny award for her Community Service efforts, as well as the prestigious Icon Award.

Ruby is now reunited her Grandmother Abell, her parents, her husband; sister, Janie Hicks; brother, David Merrida; bonus brother/cousin, Theodore Merrida; her children, eldest daughter, Barbara Ray; son, Gary Coats; bonus son, Willie Hicks  (nephew); grand daughter, Iris Ray Goodine; great grandson, Boston Myers.

Ruby will be forever loved, remembered and missed  and her legacy will live on through her children, Dyanna Myers (Nick); Georgia Coats, Patricia Coats (Robert), all of Alliance. Nine grandchildren, Seven bonus grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Our Matriarch of five generations, has taken her eternal rest.

Homegoing celebration will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Temple of Faith Church of God in Christ, 1221 E. Patterson St. Alliance, Ohio 44601. Friends may call at the church one-hour prior to the celebration.