Ruby Lee House Townsend was born on April, 17th 1929 in Tyronza, Arkansas to Lucius and Mirdie B House. She was baptized at New Prosperity Baptist Church and attended school in Earle, AK. She grew up on a farm where she was the 3rd of 11 children and the 2nd daughter of 7 girls.

She married John Henry Townsend Jr on December 21st, 1947 marking the beginning of 58 years of holy matrimony. They moved to Kansas City, Kansas in the 50s where they raised their beautiful family. Ruby's life was full of service to her family, friends and her community. She was a caregiver to many throughout her life.

Ruby & her husband John were active members of Pleasant Green Baptist Church of Kansas City, KS. Ruby then went on to be a longtime member at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church of Kansas City, KS. Her home served as a platform and sanctuary for many of her relatives and friends to transition to city life in the Midwest.

She began her career in cosmetology in the first graduating class of Mamie Sanders School of Beauty Culture in Kansas City, KS and eventually co-owned a beauty shop with her dear friend Dorothy Walker. She later worked in Food Service for the Kansas City, Kansas School District where she retired after 25 years.

She enjoyed traveling and socializing with her husband John and their friends, pottery, sewing, gardening, and being an active and involved parent and grandparent for all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Ruby entered into rest on October 27th, 2020. She is preceded in death by her parents Mirdie and Lucius House, Husband John Henry Townsend Jr, Daughters, Joyce Hardiman, and Shirley Washington, Siblings Vivian Malone, Carrie Irving, Mary Henson, McCormick House, and Lucius Len House.

Her resilient, and warm spirit was an inspiration and will be missed and cherished by us all.

She is survived by her Children, Ruby Jean Townsend Elmore, TX; A. Marie Young, MO; John H Townsend III (his wife Kaye Townsend) MO; Christopher Townsend (his wife Patrice Townsend & their daughter Candice Townsend) KS; Jill Townsend (her husband Joe Johnson & their daughters Lourdes & Sydney Johnson) KS. Her siblings, Fred House, WI; Flora Dawn, MO; Jean House, MO; Doris Harris, KS; Van House, MO; and Lovie House (sister in law/McCormick) MO. Grandchildren, Tyrone Elmore, TX; Litdra Young (her husband, Sherman Flenory) MO; Suzette Hardiman, MO; Erica Wilson (her husband, Jake Wilson & their son Henry Wilson) MO; and a host of other relatives and many, many friends.

Private graveside services . Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors.

Due to COVID-19 Pandemic all guests are required to wear face masks.