Ruby Joyce Esham Vance, age 79, of Wellington, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at her residence after a brief illness.

Born November 23, 1943, in Lewis County, she was a daughter of the late Clay Cole Esham and Bessie Marie McCoy Esham.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Cleveland Vance, and two sons, Ricky DeHart and Scott Fredrick.

Ruby is survived by a daughter, Sheila Lorntzen (Dan) of Sparks, Nevada; a stepdaughter, Merelene "Annie" Levis (Ryan) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; two grandchildren, Jessica Frazier (RJ) of Winnemucca, Nevada, and Jeffrey Elerick (Terasa) of Lovelock, Nevada; nine great grandchildren; and two step grandchildren, Bianca Felipe of Perry, Ohio, and Jasmine Felipe of Columbia, South Carolina.

Other survivors include four sisters, Margie Malone and Colleen Applegate, both of Vanceburg, Barbara Sue Applegate of Orangeburg, and Parma Hill of Cynthiana; several nieces and nephews; extended family and friends; and her special dog, Rosie.

Ruby was a retired social worker at Pathway's in Morehead for many years and attended the Big Woods Community Church in Wellington. She loved being outdoors and sitting on the porch with Rosie watching the squirrel's play. Ruby will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.

Funeral services will be conducted 12 noon Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Brother Jess Brewer officiating.  Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com