Ruby Burnett

Burnett, Ruby Marie, 92, retired Gift Shop Owner, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2020.  Ruby was born September 4, 1927 the fourth child to her parents, Everett and Leta Ford, in her family's home near the Ozark mountain community of Clifty, Arkansas. When she was a small girl her family moved to Wichita during the Great Depression where her father could find work. Those were lean times and Ruby learned the value of hard work and the importance of family as she did her part helping around the house, and helping her mother do ironing for other people. Many of Ruby's own clothes were made by her mother from feed and sugar sacks.

Ruby learned the art of quilting, among other things from her Grandmother, and spent many hours reading to her from the family Bible. Ruby's neighbor took her to church every Sunday. During WW II, Ruby worked at the neighborhood grocery market owned by her father. She soon met a young sailor named Jack Burnett while on a blind date arranged by Jack's uncle. They fell in love and were married January 5, 1947 by Pastor P.J. Bartram, in his office at the nearby First Church of the Nazarene. Ruby and Jack had two children, daughter Jaqueline born in 1948, and son Gary born in 1951. For the rest of their lives, Ruby and Jack were faithful members of First Church of the Nazarene. Ruby taught Sunday School, was a member of the Missionary Society, having served as President for one year. She also served as head of the nursery for 30 years and helped with benevolent dinners for many years. In the 1960's Ruby and Jack also served together as the church's first Caravan Program directors, a scouting style program for kids.

Ruby and Jack did everything together. They went bowling together and played sports on the church teams, like softball and volleyball. They also loved having big gardens. They canned about every kind of vegetable, and they loved having the grandkids come and help in the garden. The grandkids always lived close by and spending time together was a natural part of life. Even the great grandkids remember working in gardens with "Honey and Grandad", (family names for Jack and Ruby).

Ruby and Jack opened up their own businesses after he retired from the Fire Department. They started with a business called Log Cabin Quilts along with their daughter Jackie at 1605 S. Poplar St. They sold quilts, rag dolls, and stuffed rabbits wholesale to places like Silver Dollar City and Eureka Springs. However, they didn’t make very much money at wholesale, so they decided to go retail. They then opened up the Prairie Peddler gift shop in 1989. Eventually, Jack and Ruby sold the Prairie Peddler, but soon she and their daughter Jackie, and granddaughter Carrie, together opened the Hundred Acre Wood in 1994. Ruby's customers were like family to her. She was always giving away stuff, and her loving, caring spirit was a real witness to her faith in Jesus Christ. In many ways her businesses were mission fields for her to share Christ's love with others. After selling the Hundred Acre Wood store in 1999, Ruby and Jack stayed very active in the Senior Adult Ministry of their church as they served on the Prime-Time Council, as well as oversaw the Seniors Home-bound ministry and prayer chain.

Ruby was truly a wonderful example of Christian love and charity to everyone, and she considered her whole life as service to the Lord. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marvin Jack Burnett; son, Gary Burnett; daughter, Jackie Veatch; brothers, Floyd Ford and Jack Ford; sister, Dixie Banzet; granddaughter-in-law, Jennifer Veatch; and parents. Survivors include her brother, Bob Ford (Syglenda); son-in-law, Tom Veatch (Carol); grandchildren, Adrian Veatch, Aaron Veatch (Vickie), Carrie Heitsman (Troy), and Emily Holland (John); 11 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Services by Broadway Mortuary.

View Service live at the following link:

https://www.facebook.com/rubyburnettmemorialservice/