Ruby Martin Gardner

Ruby Lee Martin Gardner, 84, of Durham passed away on May 6, 2025, at Duke Regional Hospital. Mrs. Gardner was born on July 7, 1940, in Durham, NC to the late Vernon Bryant Martin, Sr. and Elizabeth Currin Martin.

In addition to her parents Mrs. Gardner is preceded in death by brothers, Vernon B. Martin, Jr. and Billy A. Martin; sisters, Ann Cooley and Mary Holben.

Mrs. Gardner is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Roy Gardner; daughter Rhonda G. Brogden of Butner, NC; brother, John Martin (Betty) of Shelby, NC; grandchildren, Elizabeth Noel Brogden and Christy Domnick and husband Sergeant Micah Domnick (US Marines); many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews, and furry friend River.

Ruby was a devoted member of Andrews Chapel United Methodist Church and sang in the church choir 70 years. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing softball, basketball, and bowling. A passionate Duke sports fan, Ruby also served the community for over 45 years as the Clerk of Superior Court in Durham County.

She was a loving and supportive grandmother, faithfully attending her granddaughter Elizabeth at numerous dance performances and cheering on her granddaughter Christy’s many sporting events.

Ruby was also known for her talents in the kitchen and took pride in growing a variety of vegetables in her garden, sharing the fruits of her labor with friends and family. She was a big Elvis fan, having seen him in concert a few times, and has a large collection of Elvis memorabilia.

A visitation will be held Tuesday May 13, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Hudson Funeral Home Chapel.

Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Serving as Pallbearers will be James Martin, Kevin Cooley, Jonathan Strickland, Rodney Martin, Brian Strickland, and George Pearce.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Sergeant Micah Domnick, Dewayne George and Ray Inscoe.

Flowers are acceptable or donations can be made in Ruby’s memory to Andrews Chapel UMC, 6702 Leesville Road, Durham, NC 27703