Tributes pour in after death of 'Queen of Castlefin' Ruby Druce (109)

Tributes have been pouring in following the death of 109-year-old Castlefin woman Ruby Druce on Friday.

Much-loved Ruby was believed to have been Ireland’s oldest person when she died at home on Friday.

She survived two World Wars and two global pandemics having been born in December 1915. 

“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,” Castlefin-based Sinn Fein Councillor Gary Doherty said.

“I met Ruby back in 2019 outside the polling station for the local elections. Margo (Ruby’s niece with whom she lived until Margo’s death last summer) pulled up in the car and I was talking to her when she said ‘Ruby is in the car you'd better say hello’. 

“I was more than delighted to help her into the school when she pronounced from the car ‘I came all the way from Letterkenny to vote for Gary’. Ruby was 103 in this photo and may well have been Irelands eldest physical voter that day.”

Ruby was born before daylight saving time was widely implemented and four months before the Easter Rising of 1916. She saw off two World Wars and two global pandemics having been vaccinated against Covid-19 in 2021 at the age of 105 after coming through the Spanish Flu in 1918.

Councillor Doherty said: “We didn't need any election in Castlefin for the title of King or Queen. There was only one winner, and she is now at her eternal peace…Rest In Peace Ruby Druce, the 'Queen of Castlefin’.”

Ruby worked in Porter’s Shirt Factory for 48 years and credited walking, hard work and a daily cod liver oil capsule for her amazing life.

In 1956, she married James Druce and her husband sadly passed away 14 years later.

Donegal singer Sinead Black said in a tribute: “Saddened to hear the passing of Donegal’s dearest Ruby Druce at 109 years of age. She taught me the importance of having a free spirit outlook towards life. Thinking on her family. Rest in peace Ruby.” 

She passed away at the home of her niece, Carmel Harran, in Castlefin, where she has been living since last July.

Carmel’s husband, Martin said: “Sad to lose Aunt Ruby but content to see her at peace. She was a truly exceptional woman and it has been our great privilege to have had her in our lives in a special way for the last eight months.”

Up until 2024, Ruby watched Mass every morning on YouTube and was a much loved citizen in Castlefin.

Daniel O’Donnell regularly telephoned her to wish her a happy birthday and last year visited her at home. In 2022, Ruby performed the official switch on of the Christmas lights in Castlefin.

On the occasion of her 109th birthday on New Year’s Eve, Ruby was joined by a large crowd of family and friends.

In all, she had 28 great-grandnieces and nephews, including five in Canada and two in England. 

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Lifford Celtic Football Club said in a tribute: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ruby Druce, Ireland’s oldest woman, at the remarkable age of 109. Born on New Year’s Eve in 1915, Ruby lived through two World Wars and two global pandemics, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and strength.”