Ruth Jane (McBride) Simmons

Ruth Jane McBride Simmons, 82, of Salisbury passed away on Monday, March 28, 2022 at her residence.

Born in Rowan County on June 6, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Mary Adeline Leazer McBride and Gilmer France McBride.

Ms. Simmons was the first female supervisor at Thomasville Furniture and Industries. She was an innovator, designing the first left-handed router. She was also the first female supervisor of the routers and shapers. She had to leave the furniture business due to disability. Ms. Simmons was a member of Yadkin Baptist Church where she played piano and taught Sunday school. She was a member of the Woman’s Missionary Union and was very involved in all church activities.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Teresa Dawn Pless and sisters, Joyce McBride Owens, Sylvia McBride Barber, and Carolyn McBride.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Jeffrey James Grubb of Lexington and Gregory Thomas Grubb (Betty) of Lexington; daughters, Freda Ruth Grubb O’Quinn (Timothy) of Lexington and Sherri Lea Grubb Hall (Donnie) of Lexington; 12 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank special family friends and caregivers, Tammy Leazer and Eddie Coughenour.

Visitation: 10:00-11:00 AM Friday, April 1, 2022 at Yadkin Baptist Church, 150 Yadkin Baptist Church Rd, Salisbury, NC 28144.

Service:11:00 AM Friday, April 1, 2022 at Yadkin Baptist Church with the Rev. David Ayers and the Rev. Avery Varnadore officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Yadkin Baptist Church.

Lyerly Funeral Home is serving the Simmons family. Online condolences may be made at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com.

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