Obituary of Elloree Ruby Hightower

Elloree "Ruby" Hightower, better known as "Ruby" Answered the call of Jesus on Thursday afternoon December 19, 2013. Ruby was the daughter of Robert and Elise Ham who had preceded her to eternal rest. Ruby was born on April 17, 1948 in New Zion, South Carolina. Ruby attended elementary school in South Carolina. As a teenager, she relocated to the Bronx NY, where she attended Jane Adams HS, graduated and received her Diploma. She then went on to Bronx Community College where she studied accounting and received her Degree. After moving to Ellenville NY, she joined Christ Ministry Baptist Church where she served as church treasurer, and joined the Usher Ministry. Her thirst for God's word sparked her to attend the Bible Institute of Ellenville NY where she excelled in her studies and received outstanding grades. Ruby was employed by the federal Government for many years; she retired due to her health. She loved cooking, (making pancakes was one of her specialty). Ruby loved gardening and playing board games. Family time with her daughters and grandchildren was very important to her. Ruby was preceded in death by her siblings Linwood Ham, Robert Arthur Ham, George Washington Ham, and Dorothy Ham-Johnson. Ruby leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Michelle Hightower and Sadiquah Hightower, Two granddaughters, Essence and Anishea, Three grandsons, Duane, Demetreus and Xavier and a step-son, Gerson Rodriguez. One sister, Rovina Ham- Mellette, Two brothers -law, Wesley Johnson and Herbert Mellette, and two sisters-in-Law, Sarah Ham and Esther Ham. Ruby remained friends with her former spouse, Wayne Hightower, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends. Ruby was an icon, she was sassy, and she exuded sensuality without being crude. She had a love for people especially children. I think Maya Angelou said it best in the opening of her poem "Phenomenal Woman" Pretty Women wonder where my secret lies, I'm not cute or built to fit a fashion model's size. But when I start to tell them, they think I'm telling lies, I say, It's in the reach of my arms, the Span of my hips, the stride of my step, the curl my lips. I'm a Woman; Phenomenally; Phenomenal Woman that's me!!! We Love you and memories of you will remain in our hearts!