Ruby L. Davis

Submitted by Dawalt Funeral Home  

Ruby L. Davis, 97, of Salem, Indiana passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply and prayed for daily.

Born in Livonia, Indiana, to her beloved parents, Margaret (Bell) Barksdale and Rawleigh Barksdale, Ruby was shaped by a childhood rooted in resilience, faith, and devotion to family. Raised by her strong and loving mother alongside seven siblings, she learned early that even in life’s hardest moments—whether through loss, hardship, or sacrifice—love was meant to be given freely and fully. And that is exactly how Ruby lived: with an open heart and a steadfast belief that family always came first.

Her name was Ruby, and it fit her perfectly—something rare, warm, and quietly radiant. She attended Livonia Presbyterian Church and later became a lifelong member Salem Presbyterian Church, where she sang joyfully in the choir and spent cherished time alongside her sister, Doris Jean, helping host gatherings that brought people together in warmth and fellowship.

Ruby married her beloved husband, Copper Davis, and together they built a life in Salem, where they had their children, Max, Cathy, and Loretta. She was the heart of her home—the kind of mother and grandmother whose love was felt in every corner, especially around the table.

She shared her gifts with her community as well—through owning the Copper Kettle, where she became known for her delicious soups and salads, through her work serving meals at Bradie Shrum Elementary, and through her years as a housekeeper for many families throughout Salem. Ruby loved deeply and simply—she adored her family, her grandpets, her flowers and gardening, and her visits to see her grandson Billy. She never missed an episode of The Lawrence Welk Show, and she carried a lighthearted spirit, full of funny sayings and little moments that brought laughter to those around her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, seven siblings, her husband Copper Davis, her daughter Cathy, and her son Max.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Loretta Geswein; her cherished grandchildren, Alyssa Smith (Kent Smith), Billy de Barbarac (Johnny de Barbarac), and Michelle Geswein; and her adored great-grandchildren, Alexis Gehlhausen (Cody Gehlhausen), Myah Peters, Malachai Peters, Malik Peters, Matthew Smith, McKenna Peters, and Maverick Peters; along with nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Countless friends, including Anna Wright, her loving neighbor and friend, that deeply cared for her.

The family is deeply grateful for the love and care Ruby received at the Salem Crossing nursing home and Hosparus, especially Shay, Chasity, and Crystal.

Visitation: 3 to 7 pm Thursday and after 9 am Friday at Dawalt Funeral Home. Funeral Service: 11:00 am 3/27/2026 at Dawalt Funeral Home with Pastor Richard Clark officiating. Interment will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery in Salem.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Salem Presbyterian Church or

The American Heart Association