Ruby Norene Wheeler Adams was born on March 9, 1929, in Marshall County, OK to Amy and Walter Wheeler. She was the 7th of 9 children and the youngest daughter. Ruby and J.L. married young and raised 5 children. They frequently moved where the oilfield called, making their home in 5 states and many towns.

The transient nature of oilfield work required resilience. Ruby could pack a house on a day's notice, make clothes for the kids, cook the best homegrown green beans, and made every house a home. She was a fierce protector of family and a woman of enduring faith. These values were the pillars that supported her decisions and choices throughout her life.

If it needed done – Ruby got it done - especially to support her family. She started her own business, building an answering service for more than 20 Oilfield companies. This allowed her to stay home to care for her children while supplementing the family income. She later continued her career in healthcare as a certified nurse's aide and spent many years caring for others with compassion and dedication.

Her caregiving continued as she loved on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She encouraged them through college. She protected their "memories," not letting J.L. paint over the nail polish stain on the table and art drawn directly on the walls. She drove three different great-grandchildren to school daily - for years – and brought them Arby's when they didn't like school lunch. She cared for them after school and even got hired as the lunch lady because "she was there every day" so they asked her to just stay and help. She drove one of the great-grandsons to Shawnee when he missed the bus for a choir concert. She was so proud to be a mother to the four generations that followed her.

Ruby willingly shared her hard-earned wisdom. Friends and family often sought her counsel. She didn't hesitate to summon those in her closest circle when needed. She wasn't afraid to say what needed to be said or ask hard questions. She responded with candor and with a heart of love. Ruby believed people were stronger than they thought they were. She made each of us feel like we were her favorite.

Ruby and J.L. attended Enid Maine Church of the Nazarene. When they moved to Oklahoma City, they joined Williams Memorial Nazarene Church (now Williams Church of the Nazarene) in 1972. She had children married there and grandchildren dedicated there and saved there. She led Vacation Bible School. She taught Sunday School and attended regularly throughout her life. She embodied resilience and grace, rooted in her deep, unwavering faith.

A lifelong learner, Ruby possessed a sharp mind and an endless curiosity about the world. She loved books, crossword puzzles, sports, and current events (and "Court TV"). Whether watching "Jeopardy," discussing Oklahoma football, or sharing insights from a lifetime of experience, she was always engaged, informed, and eager to learn something new. Even into her later years, she embraced modern technology and stayed closely connected with family and friends.

She was truly unique, and her influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Ruby passed from her earthly home surrounded by loving family to her heavenly home on August 31, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, J.L. Adams; her daughter, Judy Anne Nossaman; three beloved sisters, Mabel Wheeler Forguson, Flora Wheeler Forguson, and Ethel Wheeler Forguson; and four brothers, Buford Wheeler, Leslie Wheeler, Leon Wheeler, and Orbie Wheeler.

She leaves behind her brother, Doyle Wheeler; four children, Donna (Dale) Davis, Beverly (Tom) Rupert, Annette (Tom) Farrar, and Jeffrey (Carol) Adams; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

The family will receive guests at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service on Friday, September 4 from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 5, 1:00pm, at Williams Church of the Nazarene in Bethany, OK.