Ruby Barnett Oliver

Ruby Oliver, 79, peacefully went home to be with Jesus, leaving behind a family and community who will forever feel the warmth of her love. 

To most people, she was Ruby. But to so many others, she was simply “Meme.” And if you knew Meme, you knew there was always room in her home, at her table, and especially in her heart. Kids naturally gathered around her everywhere she went. She had a way of making every child feel safe, special, and deeply loved. Her laughter, hugs, and gentle care became some of the sweetest memories for the people lucky enough to know her. 

Ruby spent her life taking care of others. Whether it was family, friends, neighbors, or someone who simply needed kindness, she gave without hesitation. She loved hard, prayed often, and carried a faith in Jesus that never wavered. Her life was a reflection of compassion, grace, and selflessness. The love she poured into others will continue to ripple through generations. 

She was met in heaven by her parents; her beloved husband, Jay; and her son, Scotty, whom she loved dearly; and her sisters Carolyn Young and Dale Robinson, and her brother Irvin Robinson, Jr. 

Though her family’s hearts are broken, they find comfort knowing she is finally at peace and reunited with those she missed so much. The legacy of Meme will live on in the stories told around kitchen tables, in the laughter of children, and in the hearts of every person she loved so deeply. She will be missed beyond words and loved forever.

Ruby Barnett Oliver of Owensboro passed away Saturday May 23, 2026, under the care of Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky. She was born October 29, 1946, in Fordsville, KY to the late Irvin Sr. and Opal Grant Robinson. Ruby married Jesse B. “Jay” Oliver on May 9, 1964, and he preceded her in death in 2005. Ruby worked at Mercy Hospital as a maintenance supervisor, then retired from Owensboro Health Regional Hospital working in Emergency Room Registration.

Ruby is survived by a daughter, Angela (Paul) O’Bryan; grandchildren, Robert (Morgan) Baird, Jessica (Alan) Slaton; great-grandchildren, Benjamin Baird, Braylee Slaton, Sophie Baird, Chloe Baird, Emerson Slaton, Sebastian Baird, Oliver Slaton, Alyssa O’Bryan; sisters, Jean Clarke and Shelly (Allen) Ezell; brother Richard (NeNe) Robinson; half brothers, Michael Barnett of South Carolina, Gary (Sharon) Barnett of Tennessee, and Phil Barnett of Colorado, along with many nieces/nephews/cousins.

The funeral service for Ruby Barnett Oliver will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory with Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on that date. Burial will follow the service at Owensboro Memorial Gardens with committal at Christ Chapel.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Ruby Barnett Oliver can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathen's Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301

Care by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

Condolences for the family of Ruby Barnett Oliver may be left at www.glenncares.com