Ruby Eller Ward Long age 72 of Independence, Virginia passed away Monday, August 10, 2015 at her home.

Mrs. Long was born on December 27, 1942 in Grayson County, Virginia to Thomas Benjamin and Izora Freeman Ward. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a daughter Louella "Squash" James; son Bobby Long and grandson Jessie Jaylee Long III.

She is survived by her husband Jackie Long of Independence, Virginia; daughters and son-in-law Carolyn Long of Independence, Virginia; Patricia and Charlie Leonard of Galax, Virginia; sisters Ann Lee Sexton of Galax, Virginia; Nelly Young of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina; brothers and sisters-in-law Daniel and Judy Ward of Independence, Virginia; Jay E. and Shirley Ward of Galax, Virginia; sister-in-law and husband Anne and Joe Cole of Independence, Virginia,; eleven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; special friends Betty and David Sexton; special caregivers Marcie Testerman and Kendal Nuckolls.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday August 11, 2015 at 2:00 PM in the Vaughan-Guynn Chapel with the Rev. Ricky Miller; Rev. Dale Ward and the Rev. Lennie Wingler officiating. Burial will follow in the Grubbs Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 1:00 PM until time for the funeral service at the Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home.