Ruby Rose Britzman Derrick was born Friday August 13, 1937 to Alex J. and Vivian Durnell Britzman in Houston, Missouri. Youngest of six, Ruby grew up on a farm in the White Rock community. As is typical living on a farm, Ruby had assigned chores and she became a member of the White Rock 4-H Club.
Ruby started piano lessons at age 7 and began playing for the Oak Hill Christian Church by age 11. She attended 8 years of grade school at White Rock School where she walked to and from school one mile each way. Ruby attended Houston Missouri High School but graduated from Dayton High School in Dayton, Washington. During high school, Ruby was a member of the Band, Orchestra, Girl’s Chorus, Drum Corp, and FHA. In 1959, Ruby Rose moved to New Boston, Texas and married Arnold Barfield, Jr. She and Arnold had two children, Brenda Renee and Arnold Barfield, Ill. Ruby became co-owner of Arnold Barfield Distributing Company but managed to support both church and community. She was a member of both the choir and adult hand bell choir at the Tapp United Methodist Church, director of two children hand bell choirs, and both pianist and teacher for two Sunday school classes. Ruby also became pianist for the St. Martin Episcopal Church and a member of the board on the Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club. As a member of the New Boston BPW Club, Ruby Rose was honored as Woman of the Year in 1997.
In 2002, Ruby married Ernest Randall Derrick and moved to Granbury, Texas where she became a beloved member of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. Ruby served as pianist for both Good Shepherd and Emmanual Lutheran Church as well as the Granbury Christian Women Connection. She also continued her community support as a member of the Hood County ladies Democrat Club; volunteer as Wednesday Lunch Gal and Meals on Wheels; Recording Secretary for Granbury Newcomers Club; Chair, Hospitality Chair, and President of the Out to Lunch Bunch; and board member of Hood County Habitat for Humanity. When Ruby wasn’t helping others, she enjoyed walking, loving and caring for all animals, gardening, and attending class reunions.
