Ruby Stewart Cairnes

Asheville – Ruby Stewart Cairnes, age 93, passed away peacefully after a long life well-lived.

Ruby was born on Christmas Day in 1928 in Penland, Mitchell County. She led an enchanted childhood with loving parents, Fred and Annie Stewart and her older sister, Louise “Bow” who all predeceased her. Throughout her life, her church was central. She loved music and was caring, loyal, benevolent, feisty, quick-witted and a whiz with numbers. She kept meticulous records and wrote thousands of letters. Ruby loved her family and her dogs fervently.

She attended Cecil’s Business College in Asheville and lived on Biltmore Estate as a nanny. Ruby met a fellow Christmas baby, Fred Miller Cairnes who courted her on the grounds of Biltmore. They were married for 62 years until Fred’s passing in 2013.

Ruby had a 30-year career with Grove Stone & Sand Co. as office manager. She was an astute business woman and enjoyed driving her always shiny clean car to the “best job in the world”.

Ruby and Fred adored their nieces and nephews who were loved as their own, often staying with them for summers or even longer. After 22 years of marriage they had a daughter, Sharon, to whom Ruby was a devoted mother and they shared a strong loving relationship.

She retired at 50, helped Fred in his commercial HVAC business, volunteered for community service organizations, and served as volunteer caregiver to several family friends. She typically had a car full of teens and Sharon’s friends were close with Ruby. She was thrilled when Stuart and Sharon were married, and she enjoyed many Sunday afternoons with Stuart being generous with his time and driving her back to her childhood home. They took many day trips together through the mountains.

The greatest highlight of her life was becoming Grandmommy to her cherished Isla Kate. Together they would play the piano, make banana pudding and loved playing Chinese Checkers.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Cairnes Craig and husband Stuart, and her granddaughter, Isla Kate Craig. She will be fondly remembered by close nieces and nephews: James Sullins (Cheryl), Gloria Sullins Hollified (Milton), Van Sullins (Ann), Cindy Sullins Byrd (Sam), Darlene Sullins Schleider (Theo), Phyllis Cairnes (Rolla Wade), Linda Cairnes, Valerie Cairnes McMahan (Martin), Pamela Cairnes and Angela Cairnes.

Ruby’s family would like to thank the Brooks-Howell Home team who showered her with affection.

Ruby’s Celebration of Life will be on Monday, May 23 at 2:00pm, officiated by Rev. Milton Hollifield, Jr. at Beverly Hills Baptist Church where Ruby has been a member for 60 years. The family will receive friends at 1:00pm. A private interment will follow the service at Mountain View Memorial Park in Black Mountain.

Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.