Rubye Cox

BIOGRAPHY

Rubye Cox was born in Emery, Arkansas, USA, on 31 January 1904, to parents John Henry Gawf (1875–1965) and LeNora Belle “Nora” Rodgers (1881–1956). She spent most of her life in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Married to Van Brent Cox, the couple operated a grocery store there for 36 years, dedicating one corner of the shop to the sale of Bibles and inspirational books.

A graduate of Northeastern State University in 1925, she taught high school English and French before devoting herself to other pursuits. An avid reader and passionate gardener, she also served her church community for decades. For more than 30 years, she led the children’s department at Boulevard Christian Church, training young people to teach and encouraging young men to enter the ministry. She was widely known for her hospitality, often opening her home to visiting evangelists, missionaries, Bible college professors, and students. Together with her husband, she also helped establish a new congregation, the Muskogee Christian Church.

At the age of 98, Rubye moved to Bristol, Rhode Island, to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Fred Gilbert, before entering Silver Creek Manor in 2004.

Cox was one of three Gawf sisters to live beyond 105. Her sisters were Ruth Branum (1909–2015), who reached 106, and Rose Shloss (1912–2018), who lived to 105. Together, the three sisters achieved a combined age of 323 years and 128 days. Their paternal aunt, Betty Runsick (1877–1986), also enjoyed remarkable longevity, living to 108.

Rubye Cox passed away in Bristol, Rhode Island, on 2 December 2015, at the age of 111 years, 305 days. She was survived by son, Carlyle, daughter, Betty, as well as 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

Following the passing of Louise Silva on 23 May 2015, she became the oldest known living person in the U.S. state of Rhode Island.

Her age was validated by the Gerontology Research Group on 14 October 2015. The validation was later recognized by LongeviQuest.

ATTRIBUTION

* Rubye Catherine Gawf Cox – Find A Grave

* “Three Centenarian Sisters Defy Odds” – PR Newswire, 16 April 2014

* Rubye Catherine Cox Obituary – Tribute Archive

GALLERY

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