Ruby Margaret Rinker Whitmire, 75, of Ridge Road in Franklin Township died Saturday evening at Butler Memorial Hospital after an illness.

Born Oct. 18, 1929, in Butler, she was the daughter of Harvey J. and Geraldine Conrad Rinker.

She was a homemaker and a member of the Mount Chestnut Women's Club and Unionville Grange. For many years, she was very active in the Girl Scouts of America.

Mrs. Whitmire was a Baptist. She served on the Franklin Township Board of Elections.

She enjoyed her flower gardens, reading and traveling the United States by vehicle with her husband.

Surviving are her husband, Walter L. Whitmire, whom she married Oct. 28, 1946; three sons, William L. and Joy E. Whitmire of Harlansburg, Gerald L. Whitmire of Ambridge and Lester P. "Bud" and Sandra L. Whitmire of Branchton; two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Judith) Powell of Franklin Township and Mrs. Frank (Nancy) Rodgers of West Brewster Road in Franklin Township; six grandchildren, Sherrie Lipka, Kay Kies and Lori Beachem, all of Butler, Brian Frank of Prospect, Amy Downing of Renfrew and Matthew Whitmire of Butler; and six great-grandchildren, Shayne Lipka, Brittany and Jobe Kies, Reese and Brian Downing and Brock Beachem; and the family dog, Bright Eyes "Pretty Pup."

She also is survived by a brother, John "Jack" Rinker of Prospect; and a sister, Clara McElhaney of Latrobe.

An infant daughter, Linda Elaine Whitmire; and a granddaughter, Joni Elizabeth Whitmire, preceded her in death.

WHITMIRE - Friends of Ruby Whitmire, who died Saturday, Aug. 13, 2005, will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at EDWARD L RAISLEY FUNERAL HOME, 387 Main St., Prospect. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Gerald Whitmire, her son, officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.Information also available at www.raisleyfuneralhome.com.