Ruby Ventura Wilhite of Texarkana, Arkansas
Ruby Ventura Wilhite, age 92, of Texarkana, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2026. She was born on February 13, 1934, in Houston, Texas, to Ruth Freeman Collins and Dellum C. Collins.
February 13, 1934 – June 29, 2026
Ruby Ventura Wilhite, age 92, of Texarkana, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2026. She was born on February 13, 1934, in Houston, Texas, to Ruth Freeman Collins and Dellum C. Collins.
Ruby devoted her career to caring for others as a nurse for Dr. Gary at Collom & Carney Clinic, where she faithfully served until her retirement. Nursing was more than a job—it reflected the compassion, kindness, and servant’s heart that defined her life.
She was full of energy and rarely sat still. Ruby loved playing Bingo and Bunco, visiting with friends, and spending precious time with her family. She especially cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought endless joy to her life.
Even while living at Waterton Place, Ruby continued caring for others. She looked after her roommate and fellow residents with the same loving heart she had shown throughout her life. Her kindness and leadership earned her the honor of serving as president of the resident council. Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Waterton Place and Heritage Hospice for the exceptional love, care, and support they provided.
She leaves to cherish her memory son, James E. Wilhite and wife, Valera; grandsons, Clay Wilhite and Bryan Wilhite and wife, Jill; great-grandchildren, Brooks, Maddox, Beck, Monroe, and Aimes; bonus granddaughters, Heather Henry and husband, Joe, and Hollie Gibson and husband, Jeff; bonus great-grandchildren, Hunter, Harley, and Jax; along with many other loving family members and friends.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Old Rondo Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 1, from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. at Texarkana Funeral Home – Arkansas.
Ruby will be missed by a large majority of the women in Texarkana, because she cared for so many of us, by calming our fears of that first doctor’s visit when we were having that first baby and the ones that followed. I had the privilege of working in the Collom & Carney clinic in the Laboratory just down the hall from her desk. She would always pop into the lab, with a smile when she needed something. She will be missed by many others who had the pleasure of being her friend. R.I.P.
Ruby has saved so many of us “girls” through the years! She loved each of us as much as Dr. Gary did! We will always treasure our friendship & the loving care Ruby showered on everyone! R.I.P. dear Ruby!
Courtesy of Texarkana Funeral Home.