Ruby Druce Death and Obituary – Ruby Druce, Ireland’s oldest person, passed away peacefully at the remarkable age of 109. Ruby, who earned the title of Ireland’s oldest living person in August 2024 following the death of Phyllis Furness, celebrated her 109th birthday on New Year’s Eve, surrounded by family and friends. Her passing marks the end of an extraordinary life—one defined by resilience, kindness, and a spirit that inspired all who knew her. The community of Castlefinn, where she was born and raised, as well as the broader nation of Ireland, mourns the loss of this beloved centenarian.
Born and raised in Castlefinn, Ruby Druce witnessed extraordinary changes in the world over the span of her 109 years. As a young woman, she began working in a shirt factory at the age of 15, a job she cherished and often credited with contributing to her long and healthy life. Ruby’s dedication to hard work was accompanied by a simple but effective routine of daily walks and the intake of cod liver oil, which she firmly believed played a role in her vitality and longevity.
Though Ruby experienced her fair share of heartache, her life was also one of enduring love and commitment. She lost her beloved husband, Jim, over fifty years ago. The couple had no children of their own, but Ruby’s nieces and nephews became her family and the center of her life. She shared a particularly close bond with her niece Margo Butler, with whom she lived in Letterkenny for ten happy years after moving there on her 98th birthday. Following Margo’s death in July 2024, Ruby returned to Castlefinn, where she lived with her niece Carmel Harran and Carmel’s husband, Martin.
Family was everything to Ruby, and her devotion to them was evident in all her interactions. She is survived by her nieces Carmel and Claire, her nephew Seamus Ponsonby, and an extended network of family and close friends. Seamus, who lived in Letterkenny with his wife Kathleen, was a frequent visitor, as was Claire, who traveled from her home in Canada to spend time with her cherished aunt. Ruby’s love for her family was one of the defining aspects of her character, and her family’s love for her was equally profound.
In her final months, Ruby found comfort in her faith. She could often be seen reciting the Rosary from her armchair while listening to Mass on YouTube. Her deep spirituality, coupled with her gratitude for life, formed the foundation of her unwavering positivity and sharp mind, even in her later years. Ruby was humble about her longevity, but she once shared with Donegal News that turning 100 was one of the happiest days of her life—a milestone that brought her immense pride and joy.
Ruby’s passing has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew her. Her warmth, wisdom, and gentle nature touched everyone she met. Tributes from the community have poured in, with many remembering her infectious smile and her ability to make everyone around her feel special.
Ruby will be waked at the home of her niece, Carmel Harran, in Castlefinn, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 21st, and from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 22nd. Her funeral will take place on Sunday, March 23rd, at 12 p.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Castlefinn, followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery. The family has requested privacy on the morning of the funeral and asked that donations be made to Donegal Carers in lieu of flowers.
Ruby’s passing represents the end of an era, but her legacy of love, resilience, and faith lives on. Her life serves as a reminder of the beauty of simple pleasures, the importance of family, and the value of a well-lived life. May Ruby Druce’s memory continue to inspire us all, and may her soul rest in peace.