Ruby Carol Folsom O’Brien, 82, of Dayton, Texas, passed away on Aug. 14, 2026.
Ruby was born on Aug. 1, 1944, to James Donald Folsom and Ruby Bell Haynes Folsom. A resident of Dayton for 31 years, Ruby built a life centered around her faith, her family, and the simple things that brought her joy.
Ruby had been a devoted member of Trinity Baptist Church since 2009. She loved the Lord deeply and enjoyed listening to gospel preaching on television. Her faith was an important part of her life and remained a source of comfort and strength throughout the years.
Ruby had a special appreciation for the beauty around her. She loved hummingbirds and enjoyed tending to her plants, flowers, and garden. A talented seamstress, she especially enjoyed making beautiful dresses for baby girls and infants. Her creativity could also be seen in her embroidery, cross-stitching, and needlepoint. When she wasn’t working with her hands, Ruby enjoyed reading and spending quiet moments with those she loved. One of her favorite traditions was watching General Hospital with her daughter, Sarah.
Above all, Ruby treasured her family. She shared 50 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Jeremiah William Patrick O’Brien Jr., and the family they built together remained at the heart of her life.
Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, James Donald Folsom and Ruby Bell Haynes Folsom; her husband of 50 years, Jeremiah William Patrick O’Brien Jr.; her granddaughter, Lacey D. O’Brien; her sisters, Glenda Folsom and Katherine Folsom; her brothers, James “Jim” Folsom and John Folsom; and her in-laws, Dewey and Artie O’Brien Hardy.
Those left to cherish Ruby’s memory include her children, Terrie and husband Dr. Tony A. Rogers of Bowie, Texas; Ray and Paula O’Brien of Nacogdoches, Texas; John and Carrie O’Brien of Timpson, Texas; Sarah and Michael Barron of Dayton, Texas; and Felicia and Dr. Paul Lyle of Atascocita, Texas. She is also survived by her sisters, Jo Dessa Folsom, Charlotte Brown and husband Brad Hanson, and Lynn Berry; as well as 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and numerous other family members and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Eaen Smith, Dillan Barron, Justin Seely, Jeremy Rogers, Jordan Rogers, and Robert Blake. Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Barron, Salvador Dorado, and Chase Green.
A visitation for Ruby will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church in Dayton, Texas. Her funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. at the church, with Dr. Tony Rogers, Dr. Jeremy A. Rogers, Dr. Jordan N. Rogers, and Rev. Kyle Hammond officiating. Burial will follow at Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton, Texas.
Ruby will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her creative hands, her love for the beauty of God’s creation, and, most of all, the love and devotion she gave to her family. Her memory will continue to live on in the many lives she touched and in the generations of family she leaves behind.