Ruby Horne Hill, 90, talented artist and family caregiver

RUBY HORNE Hill had that special glow about her that nobody could really explain. But she had the ability to light up a room just by stepping into it.

Yes, she was a beauty, but more important, according to her family, she had a beautiful spirit.

"When Ruby walked into a room, the room lit up like bright sunshine," her family said.

Ruby Horne Hill, a talented artist and designer and a dedicated family matriarch, died June 9. She was 90 and lived in West Philadelphia.

Ruby had many gifts. She was a painter, ceramic artist, seamstress and pattern maker. It seemed as if Ruby could do almost anything that took an artist's flair.

For a time, she designed lamps for the Silbro Lamp Co., a Philadelphia custom-lighting firm whose works are exhibited at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, N.Y.

If you had a Ruby Hill lamp, you could count yourself in exclusive company. Her creations, which she signed, are coveted by collectors around the world, her family said.

Of nearly equal value were her paintings and ceramic creations. And with needle and thread she had few competitors.

Always the devoted family woman, she made prom and wedding gowns for her nieces. Every new arrival to her family was blessed with a crocheted blanket, cap, sweaters, booties and bloomers. They became prized family heirlooms passed down to grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

But Ruby's talents didn't stop there. She was also an outstanding cook and the generous hostess for family gatherings. She took great care in preparing for dinner parties, always striving to create drama in presenting her culinary delights.

Her cakes and pies were in demand for every family celebration of birthdays, graduations, showers, anniversaries and holidays.

"Ruby had charisma and she was absolutely gorgeous," her family said. "With an infectious smile, a penchant for style and glamor, she was the 'hostess with the mostest.' "

She was born in Philadelphia to Pearl and Roosevelt Horne. She grew up in South Philadelphia and attended South Philadelphia High School. She married her high-school sweetheart, Barney Hill Jr., and they had two sons.

The family joined the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Overbrook, where Ruby was a Boy Scout den mother.

In addition to her many artistic endeavors, Ruby was simply a loving, giving family leader.

"She unconditionally loved her sons, her grandchildren and her brothers and sisters," her family said. "There was nothing she wouldn't do for them or their children. She was an unselfish caregiver."

She is survived by her sons, Barney and Darryl; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Services: Were June 17. Burial was at Rolling Green Cemetery, West Chester.