Ruby Gunter

Ruby Lena Stennette Gunter, 84, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, of Kings Mountain, went home to be with the Lord on December 25, 2025, at the Testa Family Hospice House in Kings Mountain. She was born on June 15, 1941, in Gaston County, daughter of the late Frances Hampton and Ray Stennette.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant daughter Debra Ann Gunter; brothers, Ted Gunter, Douglas Gunter; grandsons, Randy Hill, Justin Gunter.

Ruby is survived by her lifelong partner, best friend and husband of 69 years, Bayard (JR) Gunter; her precious loving children, Scott Gunter (Lottie) of Kings Mountain, Ann Atkins (Jan) of Dallas, Kelly Tanner (Kirby) of Shallotte, Mark Gunter (Renee) of Kings Mountain, Chad Gunter (Robin) of Kings Mountain. Left to cherish her memories are her grandchildren, Ruby Hill, Jeffrey Martin, Joshua Tanner (Jessica), Jennifer Tanner, Shannon Messer (Bruce), Craig Gunter, Chad Gunter Jr., Stephanie Martin (Thomas). She had twenty beautiful great-grandchildren that loved her very much along with nine great-great-grandchildren and sisters, Myra Christenbury, Alice Waldroup

Ruby loved the Lord and she was a faithful servant to him. She was a member of Open Bible Assembly in Dallas and after her dear Pastor Charles Curtis passed away, she became a member of Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church in Kings Mountain.

She was always the heart of the family gatherings, (especially Christmas) making sure everyone was having a good time and letting them know how much she loved them all. When the family was together Ruby and Bayard were so proud of their legacies. She raised her kids and took care of her sweet husband and savored every moment.

Ruby had many careers in her lifetime, she was a mail carrier, worked in the emergency department at Gaston Memorial Hospital, and she had owned a florist where she enjoyed designing flowers. The job she was most proud of was being a preschool teacher at Gaston College Daycare.

She enjoyed trips to the beach and loved seeing the ocean. She was known as "The Cat Lady". She always had a house full of kitties, especially after all the children were grown-up.

Ruby will be dearly missed and will forever be in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held 4:00 pm Friday, January 2, 2026, at Greene Funeral Service, West Chapel, 216 Archie Whitesides Road Gastonia, officiated by the Rev. Kevin Busler.

The family welcomes you to share stories and condolences online at www.greenefuneral.com