Ruby Mary Jane Forbes Ballard was born January 24, 1933, in Norfolk, VA, to the late Minister Caleb Julius Forbes Sr., who passed in 1974 at the age of 90, and Ruby Tyler Forbes, who passed away August 3, 2006, at the age of 99. Ruby grew up in the Norfolk area with her brothers, the late Luther Jacob Goodall, George Forbes, James Timothy Forbes, and Caleb Julius Forbes II, who passed at birth, and her surviving younger brother Caleb Julius Forbes, Jr.. Marie Forbes of Orange, New Jersey, four nieces: Gloria Walker (Melvin), of Norfolk, VA, Janet Shaw of Silver Spring, MD, Deanna Jones of Ahoskie, NC, Nicole Forbes of Ahoskie, NC; four nephews: James Timothy Forbes, Jr. Christopher Forbes, Patrick Forbes of Norfolk, VA, and Caleb Julius Forbes III of Raleigh NC; many great nieces and great nephews, cousins and friends.

Ruby was baptized at the age of twelve into the Christian family of Garrett Community Memorial Church, later becoming Garrett Community Memorial Baptist Church. She was baptized by her dad and Pastor Miles, the Minister.

In subsequent years, wherever Ruby resided, she became an active participant in the edification of the Kingdom of God. She was a Sunday school teacher, and a designer and builder of a church youth program. She participated in the choir, and  church outreach activities.

Ruby completed her baccalaureate studies at Norfolk State University where she received her B.S. degree in Education. After which she attended the Virginia State College in Petersburg, VA where she achieved her Master's degree in Education. In 1955, Ruby became an educator in Virginia. That same year, Richard and Ruby married with great joy.

In 1951, at Norfolk State College, she met Richard Ballard. He was a bright and ardent music student who became an integral part of her life.

In 1957, they began their family with their first son, Richard Earl Ballard, Jr., Randolph Forbes Ballard, Sr. born as their second son in 1960, and Rodney Clifton Ballard, their third son, born in 1963.

In 1968, the family moved to District Heights, MD, and Ruby continued her teaching career for 25 years, retiring in 1992 from the Maryland Public School System. In her classroom, students knew the importance of an education. Although standards were high, they were achievable. After retiring, Ruby and her late husband, Richard, returned to the Tidewater region of Virginia, where they lovingly cared for their mothers.

Ruby was very creative, and she faced each day with the desire to do all the good that she could. She worked with various organizations seeking to improve conditions for the elderly and advocated for alternatives to the death penalty.

She also was active in supporting the elimination of the prisons system's money-making schemes, corruption, and brutality.

With great pride and dedication, she organized The Advocates for A Peaceful World, which helped to promote the causes that she felt represented Christian beliefs rooted in justice and equality for all.

In her lifetime, Ruby was very humble about her awards and accolades. She was inducted into the Wall of Tolerance by the National Campaign for Tolerance at the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama, and the American Diabetes Association recognized her for her dedicated efforts. Her tireless work for young boys living at Boys Town was appreciated and awarded. She supported the Southern Poverty Law Center in its efforts for civil rights and was recognized for her dedication.

Ruby's life was an example of living faith in action. She expressed her love for humanity through her deeds, advocacy, and quiet strength. Though she has left this earthly life, her legacy endures in the lives she touched, the causes she championed, and the values she instilled in all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever honored.

She leaves behind her beloved brother, Joe, and his wife, Rozelle; her three sons, Richard "Rickey" Ballard, Jr., Randolph "Randy" Ballard Sr. and his wife, Clevetta Ballard, and Rodney "Rod" Ballard; and her cherished grandchildren, Randolph Ballard, Jr. (RJ), his wife Jessica Ballard, and his mother Claudia Walter Ballard, followed by Alex Ballard, her wife Erica Ballard, and her mother Lin Burton. She is also survived by her treasured great-grandson, Brixen Ballard, son of RJ, who brought her immense joy. Ruby's legacy of love continues through a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends