Athens - Funeral services for Ruby Pirtle, 90, of Athens, are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 30, 2026, at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home of Athens with Allen Teague officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park under the direction of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.

Ruby Lee Pirtle, lovingly known as "Nanny", age 90, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, at her home in Athens, Texas surrounded by her family.

Ruby Lee (Brown) Pirtle was born on April 7, 1935, in the Blackjack community to Irvin Brown and Mary Ann Brown Sifers. She lived a life full of love, grace, and devotion to her family. She was deeply devoted to her family and found joy in gardening and baking, especially her beloved pies. A loving fan of Dr Pepper and Little Debbie snacks, she found purpose in caring for others and did so with a generous heart. As the matriarch of five generations, her love and legacy touched all who knew her. With a strong work ethic and a heart for serving others, Ruby built a career marked by dedication, resilience, and a genuine desire to serve others in every season of her life. Ruby began her career with Curtis Mathes Industries in 1974, continuing her work as the company transitioned to Harvey Industries. After her time there, she began working at Walmart in Athens, where she dedicated 25 years of service before retiring. Never one to slow down, she went on to become a caregiver with home health, compassionately serving others until the age of 80. She carried a servant's heart throughout her life, touching countless lives with her care and commitment. Though she will be deeply missed, Ruby will be remembered for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and the love she so freely gave to those around her. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she cherished, and the countless memories that will be held close for generations to come.

She is preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, D.B Pirtle; daughters Sherry Rush and Donna Weaver, brothers John Brown, J.D. Brown, Horton Brown, Raymond Sifers, Bill Sifers, Charles Sifers; sisters Betty Kidd, Mary Lou Holt; and great grandson Kyle Rush.

She is survived by her daughters, Linda Morton Calhoun and husband Charles of Athens and Delana Newman and husband Scott of Athens; sister, Sue Mullins of Mesquite; her grandchildren, Kristi Teague and husband Allen, Tonya Massey and husband Michael, Fonda Sides and husband Kelly Joe, Lisa Turner, Kim Spence, Chad Rush and wife Jenny, Leigh Anne Baker and husband Russell and Bud Morton; her fourteen great-grandchildren, Kyler Robertson and husband Lyle, Destiny Taylor and husband Tate, Kailey Boyd and husband Jake, Ty Turner, Avery Matous and husband Lane, Blake McCracken and wife Molly, Kassidy Harris and husband Tucker, Kali Butler, Brooklynn Newman, Trey Turner, Keyton Splawn, Katy Beth Rush, Karlie Cook, Brittney Baker; and her thirteen precious great-great-grandchildren: Layla, Wendy Grace, Jacoby, Ruby, Nora, Becks, Blakly, Levi, Ryan, Will, Waylon, Wrenly and Ren, all of whom she loved dearly. She also leaves behind special neighbors Bill and Jean Saxton. "Nanny" leaves a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will live on through generations.

Serving as pallbearers will be Keyton Splawn, Blake McCracken, Chad Rush, Ty Turner, Bud Morton, Trey Turner, Lyle Robertson and Lane Matous

A visitation will be held prior to the service from 1-2:00 p.m., Monday, March 30, 2026, at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers the Pirtle family would like donations made to:

Stick Horses and Capes, P.O. Box 4079, Abilene, TX 79608

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home family.