Ruby Mae Lowder Arey

Ruby Mae Lowder Arey, of Salisbury, died Saturday, April 2, 2011, at Autumn Care of Salisbury. Born April 24, 1920, in Salisbury, the daughter of the late Richard Elijah and Sallie Robertson Lowder, she was a graduate of Boyden High School, Class of 1937, and Central State School of Cosmetology. Ruby was an angel in training singing soprano in choirs at both Stallings Memorial Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church Celebration Choirs for many years. Ms. Arey was employed by Dandy Ice Cream, Caspers Shoes, White Packing Co. and Hoechst-Celanese Fiber Industries until her retirement in 1983. Since 1954, Ruby volunteered for 1,008 hours over 50 years at Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury. She was also a volunteer for Dial Help and Arthritis Foundation water therapy. Preceding her in death were her husband of 69 years, Allen R. Arey (Jan. 9, 2011); son Richard Allen Arey (April 1, 1999); brothers Ralph (Helen), James (Clara), Thomas (Mary Lee), Dr. William (Neydelle); and sisters Lois Ott, Mary Ruth Weathers, Francis Safrit, Hazeline Simpson and Nancy Holshouser Raynor. Survivors include a brother, Jack Lowder of Jacksonville, Fla.; son Steven Reid Arey (Mary); daughter-in-law Pat Mitchell Arey; grandchildren Jennifer Kristen Arey (Asheville), Jamie Arey Powell (Mitchell) (Waynesville); two great-grandsons, Steven Arey McDonald and Evan Reid Powell; stepgrandson Ken Harmer (Salisbury); three step-granddaughters, Joy Poole, Rhonda Farley and Terri Taylor; and a great many loving nieces and nephews who remember her birthday cards to this day. Service and Visitation: A Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Salisbury Sunday, April 10 at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Steve Haines officiating. Visitation with family will follow in the church fellowship hall. The family will continue to see friends who care to visit at the home of Steve and Mary Arey. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please send donations to First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St., Salisbury; or Hefner VA Medical Center, Volunteer Service, 1601 Brenner Ave., Salisbury, NC. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Arey family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome. com

Ruby Mae Lowder Arey

April 24, 1920 - April 2, 2011