Ruby Mae Griffin Wright Preston was born on June 1, 1917, in Hunt, to William Alvah Griffin and Lillie Browning Griffin. She attended White School on Johnson Creek in Kerr County and graduated from Hunt High School in 1935. After graduation, Ruby worked in a dress shop in Kerrville. In 1938 her parents leased part of the Wright Ranch on the Medina River and Ruby went with her parents to Bandera County.

Ruby met Smith Coffey Wright and they were married on July 17, 1940. They had four children: Linda Charlene, Carolyn Kay, Smith Eugene (Gene) and Gail Yvonne. They lived on the Wright Ranch until 1951 when they moved into Bandera. They then made their home on the Medina River near Smith’s mother, Mrs. Granville Wright, widow of Judge Granville Wright.

In 1958 Smith and Ruby opened the Best Yet Cafe on Main Street in Bandera. Ruby was the manager and cook; she cooked wonderful meals that were enjoyed by the people of Bandera. As far as we know, her restaurant was the first one in Bandera that did not serve alcoholic beverages.

Ruby was very family oriented, very supportive and dependable. Ruby worked seven days a week at her cafe until after Smith passed away in 1969. At that time, she sold the restaurant and worked for a time at the Flying L Ranch and Boyle’s Store. Ruby took care of her mother and father until their deaths. She had a very nurturing spirit and helped care for several nieces, nephews, and anyone who needed help. Her philosophy of life was summed up in the things she said such as, “One day at a time, Sweet Jesus,” “Don’t worry, things will work out,” and “Y’all have fun.”

Ruby joined First Baptist Church of Bandera in August 1954. Prior to her death, she had been a member for over 56 years, holding the record for length of membership of current living members of the church.

On Dec. 28, 1993, Ruby married Joe B. Preston, who was a deacon of the church. They had been married over 11 years when Mr. Preston passed away on Aug. 21, 2005. Mr. Preston’s family truly became part of Ruby’s life. After Mr. Preston’s death, Ruby made the decision to become a resident at Cedar Creek Nursing Home. Those who cared for Ruby learned to love her just as everyone did who came in contact with her. Ruby was a vibrant, kind, and energetic person with a positive outlook on life. She was a good role model for her children, grandchildren and anyone who was fortunate enough to be around her.

Ruby is survived by her daughters Linda Leach and husband Harold of Shepherdsville, Ky., Carolyn Nighswonger and husband Clyde of Bandera, and Gail Miller and husband Greg of Iowa Park; daughter-in-law June Wright Loocke (wife of Gene Wright, deceased) and husband Jim Loocke of Crosby; step-son Robert (Bob) Preston and wife Carol of Bandera; stepdaughter Linda Jones and husband Les of Brenham; granddaughters Kelly Ellis and husband Dean of Bandera, Paula Swinney and husband Tim of Newcastle, Okla., and Laura Leach of Bowling Green, Ky.; grandsons Luke Maier and wife Sara of Cuero, Sam Leach of Shepherdsville, Ky., Charles Wright of Houston, Chris Wright and wife Chassidy of Humble, Kyle Miller of Wichita Falls, Zac Miller and wife Marcie of Lubbock, and Grant Miller of Lubbock; and many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents Lillie and Alvah Griffin; her husband of almost 29 years Smith Coffey Wright; son Smith Eugene (Gene) Wright; and her brother William Alfred (W.A.) Griffin. Ruby was also preceded in death by her husband of over 11 years Joe B. Preston. The family received friends at the funeral home on April 7. Funeral services were held April 8, at the First Baptist Church of Bandera with Pastor Dave Collett officiating.

The family requests that memorials be made in Ruby’s name to the First Baptist Church of Bandera.

You are invited to send condolences to the family at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com by selecting the “Send Condolences” link.

Arrangements were entrusted to GRIMES FUNERAL CHAPEL of Bandera.