Mrs. Ruby Ezell was honored as she reached her 90th birthday on Feb. 28 by more than 100 friends and family members at Pine Forest Baptist Church fellowship hall.

Some traveled from as far away as Orlando, Palm Bay and Tallahassee, Fla., and Albany, Ga.

Mrs. Ruby and her daughters greeted the guests upon arrival, inviting them to view family albums of photos, and a movie of Mrs. Ruby and family happenings through the years.

Son-in-law Joe Beauchamp welcomed everyone and gave a tribute to Mrs. Ruby for her life and dedication to her children and many friends.

Tommy McNair, accompanied on the piano by his wife, April, sang “In That Land Where We’ll Never Grow Old.” They were both in Mrs. Ruby’s Sunday School class as youngsters.

Another member of that Sunday School class was Peggy Gardner Lynn, who made a special trip from Orlando, Fla., to join in the celebration.

A centerpiece of pale, pink roses and bells of Ireland surrounded by pink camellias graced the cake table. Camellias and spring tulips were interspersed throughout the cloth-draped tables laden with festive foods of fried chicken, salads, sandwiches, pinwheels and an assortment of chocolate-dipped fruits and cream puffs. The photo table held personalized keepsakes for the guests in baskets.

The birthday cake featured an edible reproduction of a photograph of Mrs. Ruby with blue roses, yellow curly cues and pink fluff. As she cut her first piece of cake, everyone sang “Happy Birthday.” She received many cards and gifts.

Mrs. Ruby Ezell, a very gracious lady, an inspiration for many in the Pine Forest and Climax communities. Congratulation and best wishes for many more birthdays, Mrs. Ruby.

Reporters note: Mrs. Ruby is a source of encouragement to this reporter each week as she gives me her comments on the Climax news. She is a special lady, a big thank you to her daughters, Dotty and Carolyn, and granddaughter, Karen Wilson, for their assistance in this article.