Ruby Lorene Brannon Koone, age 76, of Rutherfordton, died Friday, March 4, 2016, at Carolina's Medical Center, Charlotte, NC. She was the daughter of the late Earl Brannon and the late Grace Rose Wilson Brannon. 'Bootsie' to her husband of almost 60 years, she was well-known from her time working at Eckerd Drug and Dockside Restaurant. She always wore a smile. She married Max Koone at the age of 18, leaving Gaston County for a life of travel and adventure as a military wife. They lived around the US, Scotland, Cuba and Panama. She took each location in stride, making life-long friends along the way and keeping her growing family thriving. Ruby was very creative, a talented cook, seamstress, and prize winning ceramic artist. She shared her many talents with those whose lives she touched, but most importantly with her family. She passed on the loved of her talents to many of her grandkids. She lived in the moment and gave it her full attention. Whether having a conversation, cooking, sewing, playing cards or Scrabble, she was present with you. It was her greatest gift. She was preceded in death by two brothers: Donald and Homer Brannon and one sister Paulette Brannon. She is survived by her husband: James Max Koone, two daughters: Pam Koone (Chris) Lee, Cindy Koone (Dane) Waund and son: Dana (Sherrie) Koone. Also surviving are six sisters: Rachel (Paul) Chestnut, Maxine Lapish, Harriet Laye, Lena (Joe) Garner, Rhonda (Butch) Robinson, Sobey (Rick) Beaver and two brothers: Bruce and Gaither (Gail) Brannon, and sister-in-law: Nancy Koone Montgomery. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Brandon, Alexis, Scott and Dalton Koone, Sam Lee, Darby Waund, Tiffani and Tyler Nock, Anthony Sheets and two great-grandchildren: Aliana Koone and Lilly Hudson. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday, March 7, 2016 at McMahan's Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, March 8, 2016. Interment will be at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Rutherfordton. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Ruby's name to the charity of your choice. McMahan's Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements.