A celebration of life for 75-year-old Ruby Thalmann, of Hopkinsville, will be from 2-4 PM Sunday at Grace & Mercy in Hopkinsville.
Private burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dogwood Funerals & Cremations of Hopkinsville is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include:
Five siblings: Bill (Gaye) Thalmann, Ned Thalmann, Rose T. (Ronald) Cumbee, Frances T. Hunter, and Fred (Patti) Thalmann;
And countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her.
She died of pancreatic cancer Saturday, July 6, 2024, at her home, surrounded by family.
She was born November 6, 1948, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Cantankerous from the start, Thalmann was a fine student (when she wanted to be) and exceptional athlete. She played basketball, tennis, and softball for Eastern Kentucky University, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physical education.
She went on to earn her master’s of education from Peabody, and coached the first women’s basketball team at Peabody Dem.
Before long, the freedom offered by the open road became too much for her to ignore. She purchased her own truck and began driving expedited delivery routes (also known as “hot shots”) in 1984, a time when less than 2% of drivers were female. She went on to own several businesses including a liquor store and convenience store in Nashville.
Throughout her life, she struggled with addiction. She worked hard to maintain her recovery and her efforts were rewarded when she became a founding board member of Grace and Mercy, an independent, faith-based safe home for women in crisis. Serving as a voice for those suffering from addiction, she discovered a passion for helping others. Her generosity will go on supporting women for years to come.
She is preceded in death by her parents: Rosa Williams Thalmann and William “Buddy” Thalmann, as well as many beloved dogs who will undoubtedly be excited to greet her.
She was very much looking forward to the ’24-’25 UK basketball season.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to Grace & Mercy or Pennyroyal Hospice would be greatly appreciated.
