Ruby Litchfield of St Neots died on 107th birthday

Her funeral was recently held at the end of May. Her son, Barrie and his wife, Patricia, shared the eulogy they wrote for Ruby, with The Hunts Post, which details the incredible life that she lived.

Ruby May Carr was born on May 13, 1917 at her home in Flitwick to George and Emma Carr. She was the fourth of their nine children.

The Litchfield family. (Image: Litchfield Family)

The family ran their own butchers, called Carr's Butchers, from their home. Ruby and her siblings grew up in the home (and the shop), where her parents kept dogs, cats, and chickens, and where they grew their own fruit and vegetables to sell too.

Ruby eventually began working as a milliner for a hat company in Luton. She used to frequent the local dance halls, which is where she met Barrie's father, Cecil.

Ruby and Cecil fell in love. (Image: Litchfield Family)

The pair discovered their mutual love of playing the piano - and the fact that they could both play music by ear - and they began to play together in church halls and pubs.

The musical pair fell in love and got married, and Ruby gave birth to her only child, Barrie, in 1937.

Ruby and her son, Barrie. (Image: Litchfield Family)

Cecil was soon called up to the army at the start of World War Two, and Ruby was left to bring Barrie up on her own. 

Barrie remembers his father returning from his time in Burma, and Ruby having to adjust all of their home-cooked dinners to include Cecil's new found love of curry powder.

Ruby played the piano until the age of 104. (Image: Litchfield Family)

Cecil died in 1982, and Ruby continued to live in their home in St Neots. She also carried on playing the piano right up to the age of 104. 

As well as being a devoted mother to Barrie, Ruby was also a grandmother to Barrie's three sons, Christopher, Grant and Phillip.

Barrie said that his children have special memories of Ruby - "particularly of the times she looked after them when I was away on business as they grew up at Colley Hill.

"Her help was invaluable, nothing was too much trouble, she was always there when needed, and I will remain eternally grateful."

In 2020, Ruby moved into the Nelson Lodge care home in Eaton Socon.

Ruby celebrating a birthday with her family. (Image: Litchfield Family)

Barrie said: "She was cared for with a genuine affection given by the carers, who ensured she was as comfortable as possible. They treated her with care and consideration and they could not have done more, and I know their warm smiles and friendly chats brightened her days."

In Ruby's later years, there were times when the family thought they would have to say goodbye for her.

When Ruby was 95 she went in for a serious operation, which left the family thinking that she may not pull through - however, she did, and "with smiles", Barrie added.

After that, Ruby broke her hip while living in her home in St Neots and she went for another serious operation. But, she came out on the other side smiling.

This year, at the age of 106, Ruby was diagnosed with pneumonia. The family prepared to say goodbye to her, but once again, she came out smiling.

Ruby passed away "in the way she lived", says Barrie: "Without a fuss, quietly in her sleep and in her own way and time, and by timing it to perfection - she passed away on her 107th birthday."

Ruby leaves behind family, friends, carers, doctors and nurses who "loved her and are proud of her".

Barrie finished: "Most of all, and through it all, she retained her dignity and smiled, right till the end."

Ruby smiled right till the end. (Image: Litchfield Family)