ROCKWOOD -- Ruby Jewell Heins, 77, passed away on the first day of spring, Thursday, March 20, 2025, at her home in Rockwood, Illinois, surrounded by family.

Ruby was born on January 16, 1948, in Murphysboro, IL, the daughter of Hilbert and Theda (Gale) Graff. She married Carl E. Heins on April 8, 1972, at Christ Lutheran Church, Jacob, IL, where she is still a member. Ruby was a woman of great faith and found comfort in prayer and daily devotions.

Ruby was the heart of the Heins family and farm. She was a homemaker and a compassionate caregiver her whole life. She believed being a wife and mother was the greatest and most fulfilling profession on earth. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. The kitchen was her palace. She enjoyed preparing nutritious meals and spending hours with her family around the dinner table. Ruby loved music, and could be heard asking Alexa to play anything from Neil Diamond, to Carrie Underwood.

Ruby is survived by her husband, Carl Heins of Rockwood, IL, her children: Karla Heins of Murphysboro, IL, Brad (Brandi) Heins of Rockwood, IL, Scott (Lynn) Heins of Rockwood, IL, Neil (Morgan Dodson) Heins of Ava, IL; her grandchildren: Brady, Brock, and Brydon Heins, Kaylin, Julie, and Sloane Heins; her siblings: Janice (Angelo) Fiorino of Murphysboro, IL, Richard (Sharon) Graff of Murphysboro, IL, Kathy (Bill)Leasor of Peoria, IL, Lawrence (Donna) Graff of Gorham, IL, Christina (Philip) Hunziker of Murphysboro, IL; her in-laws:David (Melinda) Heins of Rockwood, IL, Nancy (Peter) Nettling of Manchester, MO; her many nieces, nephews, and a multitude of cousins.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters: Theresa Mills, Dianna Graff; her brother, David Graff, a niece, Lisa Gill; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Harry and Leona Heins.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 12:00 noon, at Christ Lutheran Church, Jacob, IL, with Rev. Gunnar Campbell officiating. Burial to follow at Christ Lutheran Cemetery, Gorham, IL. Visitation will be on Tuesday morning, where friends may call from 10:00 am until time of service at the church. Memorials may be given to Sandra's Comfort or Christ Lutheran Church, Jacob, IL, and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62907. To sign the guestbook, visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net

Ruby would always say to her children, "The best is yet to come."