Ruby Riddick Gibson died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2021 at the age of 100.
She graduated from DeRid-der High School and attended Louisiana State Normal College (now Northwestern) in Natchitoches where she majored in music and English. She was an honor graduate as well as an accomplished pianist.
After teaching piano and English for several years, she returned to school and earned a masters degree in library science from LSU. She became supervisor of secondary English, music, art, social studies and libraries for the Beauregard Parish schools and retired in 1984 after 25 years. She was the first supervisor of libraries in the parish.
She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of DeRidder, she was active in the Women’s Missionary circles, taught junior high Sunday School classes, and played the organ and piano for evening worship services for many years. She also volunteered her time as pianist for the DeRidder Rotary Club and the Beauregard Activity Center.
She is survived by her brother, Bill Riddick of Jasper, Texas; three daughters: Donna Pickens and husband John of Montgomery, Ala., Merrie Pendergrass and husband Donald of Shreveport, and Janet Simonson of Longville; eight grandchildren; one step grandson; and 16 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William Neal Riddick and Emma Early Riddick; and husband, Donald H. Gibson.
A memorial service was held Saturday, Jan. 16, at First United Methodist Church in DeRidder. Officiant was Laraine Waughtal. A private graveside service was held at Beauregard Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home in DeRidder.
