Teresa ‘Tooter’ Adkins 71, of Owensboro, Kentucky passed away Friday, October 11, 2024 at the Heartford House in Owensboro. Teresa Ann Ruby was born September 8, 1953 in Madisonville, Kentucky to the late Edward Howell and Geneva Aline Taylor Ruby and was affectionately known as “Tooter” by her family and friends. Tooter was a beacon of joy and strength throughout her 71 years of life.
Tooter’s spirited nature and warm heart were a testament to the love and values instilled in her by her parents. Before retiring, she dedicated many years of service as a patient care tech at the former Owensboro Medical Health System. Her compassion and commitment to patient care left a lasting impact on those she worked with and cared for. Her colleagues remember her as a woman of kindness and diligence, always ready to lend a hand where it was needed.
Tooter’s interests and hobbies reflected her love for life and nature. She found solace and happiness in fishing, embracing the tranquility of being on the river. These simple pleasures were the backdrop for countless cherished memories with friends and family. Above all, Tooter’s greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved them deeply and took every opportunity to be part of their lives, celebrating their achievements and milestones with the same enthusiasm and pride as if they were her own.
Tooter’s life was one of warmth, generosity, and laughter. Her presence was a comfort to those around her and her spirit was vibrant. The legacy of Tooter’s love and the imprint of her life’s joy will continue to live on through the stories shared by those who knew her best. She taught her family the importance of cherishing each moment and the value of a life spent in the service of others. Tooter’s memory will be treasured forever, and her spirit will continue to inspire her family for generations to come.
In addition to her parents, Tooter was preceded in death by her son, Jarrod Worthington; and by three brothers, Paul Ruby, Terry Ruby, and Lanny Ruby.
Tooter is survived by a daughter, Tricia Lopez (David) of Owensboro; a step daughter, Chantell Roberts (Jimmy) of Morganfield; eight grandchildren, Dale Johnson, Payton Johnson, Madison Ball, Shyann Worthington, Noemi Cruz, Haley Davis, Kyle Manrique, and James Wilkey; 9 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Michael Ruby (Gayle) of Livermore, David Ruby of Island, and Allen Ruby of Owensboro; a sister, Judy Towery of Calhoun; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at Muster Funeral Homes, Calhoun Chapel. Burial will be in the Calhoun Cemetery in McLean County. Friends may visit with Tooter’s family from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Monday and from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at Musters in Calhoun.
The Teresa ‘Tooter’ Adkins family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Calhoun Cemetery, Iron Fence Restoration Fund; C/O John Howard; 400 Guy Settle Loop; Calhoun, Kentucky 42327.
Tooter’s services will be streamed live on musterfuneralhomes.com at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday.
Share your memories and photos of Tooter at musterfuneralhomes.com.