Ruby "Maxine" Bittle Watson

Ruby Maxine Bittle Watson, 82, was carried by Angels to her Heavenly Father on Monday, May 19, 2025, at her home in Florence, South Carolina. She was born August 8, 1942, to the late Howard C. Linker and Naomi Kerley Payne.

Ruby attended Landis High School and Rowan Community College. She worked for Cannon Mills, various sewing mills and Metrolina Green House. Ruby also worked for Cabarrus Memorial Hospital as an ER clerk, insurance claims, nursing assistant and volunteering. She retired from Celanese in Salisbury.

Ruby married Ray Boyd Bittle August 9, 1960. He preceded her in death in 2018. Ruby married Harold Watson on March 9, 2021, in Kannapolis.

Ruby was an expert seamstress at home for her church, family, friends and the public. She made Christmas costumes, Brown High School cheerleader outfits, fashion and alterations. Ruby was an active member of God’s Church of Faith. She was part of WMU- widow ministry. She taught Sunday School for over 20 years at various churches. She loved her Savior more than anything or anybody. She loved sharing her love for Jesus. Ruby enjoyed reading the KJV Bible, spending time with her family, shopping and taking vacations.

Ruby is survived by her husband, Harold Watson; her son, Clifton “Cliff” Bittle; grandchildren, Angelena, Desarae and Grayson; numerous great grandchildren, her beloved cat, Kimberly, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her first husband of 58 years, Ray Bittle; her son Anthony “Tony” Bittle and other relatives.

Ruby’s family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 12:00 noon until 1:00 PM at Whitley’s Funeral Home, 1748 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis, NC. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Jeff Upright officiating. Burial will be in West Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to God’s Church of Faith, 809 Elm Street, Kannapolis, North Carolina 28083.