Ruby Lee Starks went to be with her Lord on January 17, 2026. She lived a long life full of love. She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love and support. She was the rock of the family and the glue that held them all together.
Born in Symsonia, Kentucky on April 5, 1934 to the late Henry and Lillie Elrod, she was one of 9 children. She had a love of sewing, anything and everything. She was most known for her window coverings that, at one time, adorned many of the homes in Marshall County and the surrounding areas. She served as a plant nurse at Air Products, SeaBoard Farms, and General Tire. After her plant days, she served as a nurse at the Marshall County Health Department, then after 20 years of service she retired from the Herman Ford Detention Center in Benton.Ruby is survived by her husband, Kendrick Lewis; her daughter, Jona Williams of Benton; her son, Lane (Deb) Starks of Mayfield; Debbie (Rick) McCalb, Katrecia (Pete) Lewis, and Donna (Sam) Ferrell; one sister, Carolyn Wyatt of Paducah; her grandchildren, Christy Riley and Misty Riley of Benton, Ashley (Kevin) Wiggins of Mayfield, Keshia (Cody) Harris of Mayfield, Janssen (Austin) Bailey of Mayfield, Anna (Kyle) Perry of Benton, and Bradley Tate of Lexington, along with several bonus grandchildren. Also surviving are 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Starks was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband of 58 years, Marvin Starks; their infant son, Edward Lee; one granddaughter, Tiffany Riley, and 7 brothers and sisters.
A funeral service for Mrs. Ruby L. Starks will be Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Collier Funeral Home with Bro. Kendrick Lewis officiating. Internment will be in the McNatt Cemetery section at the Marshall County Memory Gardens.
Visitation will begin at 11:00 am until 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Collier Funeral Home, located at 211 W 5th St. Benton, KY 42025.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruby’s honor to the Marshall County Exceptional Center, P.O. Box 423, Benton, KY 42025.
