Ruby Killian, 67 of Walnut Ridge passed away Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Flo and Phil Hospice House in Jonesboro. She was born to Thomas and Opal Starnes Brown on October 28, 1950 in Sedgwick. Ruby married Billy Jeff Killian on March 27, 1975.

Ruby was employed by BRAD Head Start. Over the course of her tenure at Head Start, beginning in 1983 as a home visitor, and continuing in her role as family service worker up until the time of her illness, Mrs. Killian was a passionate and committed advocate for young children, tirelessly working to ensure that they had appropriate support in order to allow them to succeed in school and in life. Mrs. Killian was a naturally caring and nurturing figure not only in the lives of the children and families with whom she worked, but also for her colleagues for whom she remained a model of professionalism, excellence, and joy in the workplace.

A defining characteristic of Mrs. Killian was her kind and giving heart. The gifts she gave were ones that always perfectly fit the recipient; whether a fresh watermelon on a hot summer day, advice for how to solve a tricky problem, or a hand to hold in a time of fear or grief, Mrs. Killian never stopped thinking about how she could care for other people. Her daily actions were evidence of the personal faith and integrity that were the guiding forces of her life.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Billy Jeff Killian, her parents, Thomas E. Brown; mother, Opal Snow and stepfather, Raymond Snow.

Survivors include three sons, Brett Killian of Walnut Ridge, Deno Killian of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Billy Doyle Killian and wife Charlotte of Mountain Home; a daughter, Lea Speight and husband Trey of Blytheville; Brothers, Ben Perdue and wife Judy of Jonesboro, Raymond Snow and wife Debbie of Cherokee Village, Tim Snow and wife Sheila of Jonesboro and Milo Adams of Jonesboro; a sister, Tammie Gifford of Walnut Ridge; a special sister-in-law, Evelyn Sturkie and husband Danny of Paragould; grandchildren, Justin Killian, Chase Snapp, Jadyn Killian and Emerson Speight.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are nephews, Michael Gifford, Jason Setliff, Kipp Perdue, Blake Snow, Tyler Fry, Gary Snow, Chad Sturkie, Scotty Killian, and Friends, Chris Penn and Frank Owens.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Flo and Phil Hospice House, 1148 E. Matthews, Jonesboro, Arkansas  72401.