Barbourville, Ky. – Ruby Hampton, 95, of McKinney, Texas, formerly of Richmond, Indiana passed away October 16, 2021. Ruby was the daughter of Laura Bales Ponder and D.C. Ponder, joyfully born to them on January 23, 1926.
Ruby Hampton lived a wonderful life of almost 96 years and often expressed that she “wouldn’t change a thing”. Ruby loved her family immensely and cherished spending time with them whenever and wherever she could. She enjoyed trucking with her husband, Ernest, watching him horse-trade with others, and running the gas station and auto shop in Richmond, Indiana. However, she especially loved managing the family farm and maintaining the business books for Hampton Horse Trailers, which she and Ernest owned and operated. Hampton Horse Trailers sold trailers and fifth wheel campers with horse stalls all over the United States. Ruby’s involvement in Hampton Horse Trailers was inspired by her love of travel she did while trucking with Ernest. During her life she visited all the states of the Continental USA. Ruby was also passionate about horses and horseback riding. She was an avid horsewoman and belonged to several horse riding clubs in Richmond, Indiana. This was a hobby Ruby made sure to share with her family. As soon as her grandsons, Bradley and Greg, where old enough, they made sure the grandsons got to go horseback riding every summer while they were growing up.
Ruby was a selfless person. In later years she became a devoted caregiver for several of her relatives who needed help. Her family forever grateful to her for this act of love. Ruby moved to Texas in her twilight years to live with her grandson, Bradley, and his wife, Jennifer. The nearly 10 years in Texas were wonderful years for Ruby and her family. During her time there, Ruby delighted in spoiling her great-grandbabies with too many sweets and television time – much to the chagrin of their parents – and she found a new sport in watching politics on television. Ruby will be fondly remembered by her family and friends alike. She was a true blessing to all those she knew.
In addition to her parents, Laura Bales Ponder and D.C. Ponder, Ruby was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ernest Hampton, son Dennis Hampton, brother Claude, and sisters Glessie, Flora, and Nell.
Left behind to celebrate her life are grandson Bradley Dean Hampton, granddaughter-in-law Jennifer Ashlynn Sohn Hampton, great-grandson Greyson Thomas Hampton, and great- granddaughter Ellison Grace Hampton; and grandson Gregory Andrew Hampton, granddaughter-in-law Jennifer Joy Hampton, great-grandson Hunter Dean Hampton, and great-granddaughter Haylee Joy Hampton.
A Visitation for family and friends is planned for Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Hopper Funeral Home from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM. A Graveside Funeral Service will follow the visitation at 12:30 PM at the Miles Cemetery in Swan Pond, Kentucky.
The Hopper Family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, our Directors Mrs. Bonita Bingham Creech and Mr. Robin Reese, and our staff express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ruby Hampton.
During the ongoing pandemic, everyone attending services for Ruby Hampton is strongly encouraged to wear a face mask and maintain a social distance of six feet.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is in charge of all service arrangements in Kentucky for Ruby Hampton.
