Woman believed to be Ireland's oldest person dies aged 109 in Co Donegal

Ruby Druce, who celebrated her 109th birthday in December, died in Co Donegal yesterday, Thursday evening, March 20.

Ruby passed "peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family," a notice states.

She was predecessed by her parents George and Lizzie, husband Jim, brothers Geordie and James, sisters Maggie and Molly, her niece Margo, and nephew Tony.

She is survived by her nieces Carmel and Claire, and nephew Seamus and extended family and very close friends.

Ruby will be waked at the home of her niece, Carmel Harran, in Castlefinnn, Co Donegal today from 6 pm to 9 pm and tomorrow, Saturday, March 22 from 12 noon until 9 pm.

A funeral for Ruby will take place on Sunday, March 23, at 12 pm in St. Mary’s Church in Castlefinnn, followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Ruby's family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Donegal Carers, care of Kennedy's funeral directors or any family member.

Among those offering their condolences on Friday was singer Sinead Black, who Ruby was a fan of.

"She taught me the importance of having a free spirit outlook towards life," Sinead said on social media on Friday.

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Gary Doherty also paid tribute, writing: "She was known to all, both young and old, and was an inspiration to many with her attitude to life and willingness to live life to its fullest."

He recalled meeting Ruby in 2019 outside the polling station during local elections. Ruby told him: "I came all the way from Letterkenny to vote for Gary."

In his post on social media, he said: "Ruby was 103 in this photo and may well have been Irelands eldest physical voter that day.

"We didn't need any election in Castlefinn for the title of King or Queen. There was only one winner, and she is now at her eternal peace.

"I send my sincerest condolences to Ruby's extended family and friends on your sad loss.

"Rest In Peace Ruby Druce, the 'Queen of Castlefinn.'"

Ruby Druce became the oldest person in Ireland last August following the death of 109-year-old Galway woman Phyllis Furness.

In December, Ruby marked her milestone 109th birthday with a celebration in Co Donegal.

Ahead of Ruby's big birthday in December, Donegal Daily reported that she was a non-smoker and teetotaller who had always kept active walking.

Ruby was born to George Crawford and Elizabeth (née McBride), the eldest of five children.

Ruby had a sip of poitín at the age of three when she contracted the flu in 1918, the same years as the Spanish influenza pandemic, Donegal Daily also reported. She lost her six-week-old baby sister, Molly, and two-year-old brother, James, to the outbreak.

From the age of 14 to 62, Ruby worked in Porter's Shirt Factory in Castlefinn, Co Donegal. In 1956 she married Jim Druce. Sadly, just 14 years later, he passed away. 

Amazingly, Ruby lived independently until she was 98 years old. She later lived in Letterkenny with her niece Margo, who sadly passed away last July. Afterward, she relocated to Castlefinn where she lived with her niece Carmel and Carmel's husband Martin. 

When she turned 100, Ruby received the Irish Centenarian Bounty of nearly €2,500, a national award given by the President of Ireland to Irish citizens who have reached 100 years of age.

However, Ruby's niece Carmel told the Irish Times last September her aunt "gave it all away."

Carmel said: “She gave some to the guide dogs for the blind, something to Lifford hospital and some to the cancer bus (which brings patients to Galway).

"She said she did not need money.”

Speaking to Donegal Daily in December ahead of Ruby's 109th birthday, Carmel's husband Martin said: "She’s unbelievable for her age." 

He said when her age was mentioned to her, Ruby would reply, "He's forgotten about me," referring to God.

In September, Ruby spoke to the Irish Times about reaching such a fine age and about being the oldest person in Ireland. 

“Am I? I think I am," Ruby said at the time, "I will be 109 at the end of the year.”

With a chuckle, she added: “When your man above pulls the plug, off you go.”