July 31, 1950 – July 11, 2026
Ruby Ann Coker, age 75, of Mulberry and formerly of Decherd, Tennessee, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Born on July 31, 1950, in Hammond, Indiana, Ruby was the daughter of the late Edwin and Betty Jo (Berry) Bates.
Ruby dedicated many years of her career to working at Baxter and Oak Technical before fulfilling her dream of owning and operating Ruby’s Hair Salon, where she served her community with pride for many years.
She found joy in sewing beautiful handmade creations, tending to her yard and flowers, and making her famous deer jerky that family and friends always looked forward to. In the evenings, she enjoyed relaxing with television game shows, especially Family Feud with Steve Harvey. When her health allowed, she faithfully attended Wilder’s Chapel.
Ruby will be remembered as a bright, energetic woman whose greatest joy was her family. She loved fiercely, gave generously, and created lasting memories with those she cherished. Her warmth, strength, and spirited personality will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas “Tommy” Coker; daughter, Patricia Austin; son, Nathaniel Coker; and siblings, Bobby Bates and Terry Bates.
She is survived by her children, Thomas (Caroline) Coker, David (Rachel) Barnett, John (Amy) Barnett, Brittany (Tim) Farrar; son-in-law, Terry Austin; grandchildren, Emily (Coleton), Lexis, Bentley, Ty, Shelby, Ellie, Matthew, MaKayla, Josh (Kirsten), Ashlee, Zachary, Haley, Carter (Sarah) Bradley, Joshua, Weston, and Bryson; great-grandchildren, Amelia “Belle”, Jaxon, Lilliann, Kayson, Jasper, and soon to be Everly. Ruby is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 11:00am – 1:00pm at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with funeral service following at 1:00pm from the chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Gardens with Thomas Coker, Bradley Parks, Josh Austin, Coleton Morris, Zachary Farrar, and Jeremy Allen all serving as pallbearers.
Moore-Cortner Funeral Home 300 1st Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)967-2222, www.moorecortner.com
