BIOGRAPHY

Ruby Lockhart was born in Elkhart, Indiana, USA on 17 May 1912, the second child of Andrew Clement Clay (1885–1970) and Ida Louise Baker (1887–1967). She had four brothers and two sisters, including Col. Carmon Lavon Clay (1915–2008), Bernard H. Clay (1919–1990), Harry H. Clay (1920–1934), and Willa Mae Brase (1923–2023). Her family moved to Montpelier when she was around 2 years old. During the Great Depression in the 1930s, her father held a steady job as an electrician with the Wabash Railroad.

On 4 November 1931, she married Ferrall Wheeler Lockhart. They had three children: Eugene, James, and Lynne Wallace. Both Ruby and Farrell grew up in Montpelier, where they married and spent their entire lives. Her husband was in the auto business for many years, owning a Chevrolet dealership in Montpelier. During the World War II era in the 1940s, he worked in a defense factory in Detroit for a time. Her husband died in August 1982.

Lockhart was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Montpelier. In her free time, she was an avid quilter, creating over 30 quilts for her family throughout the years. She was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, even in her final days. She enjoyed playing bridge, and was part of a card club, when she was younger. In honor of her birthday, the Williams County Commissioners proclaimed 17 May 2018, as Ruby Viola Lockhart Day.

As of May 2019, she had one living sister, 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-greatgrandchildren.

Lockhart died at Hillside Country Living in Bryan, Ohio, USA, on 16 October 2024, at the age 112 years, 152 days.

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Stefan Maglov, and validated by LongeviQuest on 3 February 2023.

On 3 March 2023, following the death of 111-year-old Alma Kahl of Portsmouth, she became the oldest known living person in the U.S. state of Ohio.

ATTRIBUTION

* Ruby Viola Clay Lockhart – Find A Grave

* “Montpelier’s Ruby Lockhart Celebrating 108th Birthday” – The Village Reporter, 12 May 2020

* “Hillside resident Ruby Lockhart turns 108 on Sunday” – The Bryan Times, 15 May 2020

* “Oldest living Ohioan to be celebrated May 17” – The Bryan Times, 5 May 2023

* “Ruby Lockhart Obituary” – The Bryan Times, 18 October 2024

GALLERY