Ruby L. McFarland

Our beloved Ruby Lee McFarland, age 91, passed away December 3, 2022, at Princeton Medical Center after a brief illness. She was born April 18, 1931, in Douglass (Countyline) Texas. She was the 5th child of 14 children born to Neil and Velma Upshaw. Taking after her paternal grandmother, she stood out as being absolutely fearless and by far the strongest willed of the siblings. Despite having eight big and strong brothers, she might have been the most feared of the bunch.

She journeyed to New Brunswick, New Jersey in 1951. Her early life in New Jersey as a single mother of 11 children was not easy for Ruby, but by relying on her strength from the Lord, and keeping her favorite scripture Psalm 121 close, she remained strong and steadfast along the way.  

In 1978, Ruby met the love of her life, John Henry McFarland, at a lounge in New Brunswick. He asked her to dance. They were married on December 20, 1980, and remained inseparable until her passing.

Ruby resided in many places in New Brunswick. The most memorable areas were Church Street, Townsend Street, and her home for last 47 years, the Ville. All of which she left a legacy of love, kindness, and strength. Because of her interest in natural remedies, of which she shared around her village, she was given the nickname of “Dr. Ruby”. This helped her stay medication free until the final months of her life. She will be remembered by her infectious laugh, beautiful smile, witty sense of humor, her love of music and dancing to her favorite song “Shame”, colorful stories of her Texas upbringing, her occasional beat downs at Washington Bar, delicious cooking, including all of her pies and, of course, her famous sour cream pound and carrot cakes. But, most importantly, her pride surrounding having populated God’s earth with “all of her offspring”, while making all who crossed her path feel like family.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, NE and Velma Upshaw; four children, Joseph, Jeanie, Belinda, and Tanya; and five siblings, Myrtle Lee, Flora Dean, Colesta, Ella Faye, and Dolvin.

Left to mourn her passing is her beloved husband, John Henry; eight siblings, Leonard, Marion, Doyal, Luther (Ravoy), Travis, Anita (Puff), Eisenhower (Ike), and Fred; seven children: Edwin Session, George Session, Johnathan (Jeanette) Session, Theresa Session, Daryl Session, Saundra Session, and Samuel (Barbara) Session; over 100 grand and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.