Rubinetta Qualls Short was a Holy Child, born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1932. She departed this life on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at VITAS Inpatient Center at Rockledge, FL. Ruby was born in the Siloam Community in Lincoln County, Mississippi, the third child and first daughter of Samuel and Beatrice Qualls.
At an early age, she joined Old Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, in Lucien, MS in Franklin County, where she was active in youth activities.
Her early education began at McGee School in McCall Creek, MS. After completing elementary and junior high school, she completed her secondary education at Alexander High School in Brookhaven, MS, and graduated in 1950.
She chose to go to Chicago with other relatives and began her career in retail. She worked at a high-end retail boutique in Oak Park, Illinois. Going to work ‘Dressed to the Nines,’ you could not tell if she worked there or owned the establishment. She had a strong presence.
Ruby returned to Mississippi, and in 1952, she added a bundle of joy to the eight biological children of Papa Sam and Mama Doll. When Ruby returned to Chicago, her first born, Phyllis, remained in MS, and was reared as a bonus daughter by Papa Sam and Mama Doll, and went through life with the double title of daughter and granddaughter.
On February 1, 1958, Ruby married a Mississippi native, Walter Short, who was a veteran, and to this union two children were born, Jennifer and Jeffrey. She truly loved her children and wanted the best for them. In 1967, Walter moved the family from Chicago to Detroit and Ruby changed her career.
She was a teacher at two pre-schools, Buttons and Bows in Detroit and The Academy in Southfield. She also continued work in education as a para-professional in the public education system in Detroit. She later worked in the health care industry and was a sweet, caring and loving sitter for home-bound patients.
Ruby was a health enthusiast. She took her Mississippi reared culture, and produced vegetable and flower gardens at her Detroit home. She also was a member-lead with ERASE, a lifestyle company. She traveled throughout Michigan, spreading the news of a healthy living lifestyles. She trained clients on the value of eating well, exercising, keeping your mind free from stress, and drinking plenty of water. Ruby strongly believed in the power of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
She was also an avid member of The Red Hatters. She loved dressing up in red and purple and going to the Red Hatter events to celebrate life in Red Hatter style.
In her golden years, she moved to Palm Bay, Florida with her daughter, Jennifer and her husband. During this season of her life, her health began to fail, as she was diagnosed with Dementia, and the family had long goodbyes.
She enjoyed her friends at the assisted living center, and was the unofficial ‘boss,’ without question. During her 89th and 90th birthday celebrations, she showed how much she loved life, and received many gifts and praise with humility and thankfulness. At her 90th birthday party, she gave an impactful speech about life, appreciation, and joy.
Ruby leaves to carry on her legacy, three children, Dr. Phyllis Qualls, Nashville, TN; Jennifer (Kevin) Nance, Farmington Hills, MI; and Jeffery Short, Detroit, MI; four grandchildren, Lovette (Daren) Curry, Smyrna, GA; Shelton Short, Phoenix, Arizona, Kyle Nance and Kolby Nance, Farmington Hills, MI; two great-grandchildren, Alexander Curry and Samuel Curry, Smyrna, GA; Four siblings Ernest (Elsie) Qualls, Tylertown, MS; Stanford (Fronie) Qualls, Bogue Chitto, MS; Jacqueline Qualls (O.D. ) Evans, Monticello, MS; and Vernon (Patricia) Qualls, Bogue Chitto, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives, and friends.
