Ruby Sanders Allen

McKENZIE, Tenn. — Ruby Sanders Allen, a devoted wife, mother, and pillar of the McKenzie community, died on July 1, 2026, at The Waters. She was 89 years old.

Funeral services are Monday, July 6, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Brummitt McKenzie Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Monday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, McKenzie.

Born on October 30, 1936, in the Westport community to the late William and Opal Quillin Sanders, Mrs. Allen spent the majority of her life in McKenzie. She was known by family and friends alike for her generous spirit and her unwavering dedication to caring for those in need, whether they were family, friends, or neighbors.

Mrs. Allen led a life of service, deeply rooted in her faith and her commitment to the area. For many years, she was an active member of the First Baptist Church in McKenzie, where she taught Sunday School and served on numerous boards. Her professional life was defined by her long tenure at the McKenzie Banking Company, where she served as vice president and maintained a deep commitment to her customers.

Beyond her church and career, Mrs. Allen was a dedicated community leader. She served as chairman of the board of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, was a longtime board member for the McKenzie Memorial Library, an active member of the McKenzie Business and Professional Women’s Club, and an usher at The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center. 

A lover of travel, she also led groups on trips across the United States and around the world. Above all, she loved books, flowers, and the people she cherished so well.

She is survived by her son, Wayne (Glenda) Allen; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Harold (Trang) Allen (Ari and Lucas), Carrie Beth (Sathya) Anathawany (Charlie Glen and Clayton), Wendy (John) Nardinger (William and Brynn), and Kayla (Jon) Pipes (Naomi); her son-in-law, Ron Roof, and his sons, Hunter and Trevor; her sister, Brooke (Charles) Hodges; numerous nieces and nephews; and her precious friend, Brenda Gibbons.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her daughter, Sandra Roof (died  April 17, 2026); her parents, William and Opal Sanders; and her brother, Bernice (Imogene) Sanders.