Ruby Ilene Cotton

Ruby Ilene White Cotton left this life Monday, February 13, 2023, at the age of 88.

Ilene was born August 24, 1934 in Childress to T.R.E. and Ida Mae White.  She graduated Childress High School and married James E. Cotton, Jr. on June 14, 1952.  The couple lived in Roswell, NM, Stamford and Abilene before buying the photography studio in Cisco from Shy Osborn in April 1959.  They closed the studio in 2004 after 45 years.

Ilene was active in the Cisco Jaycee-etts, E.L. Graham Hospital Auxiliary, Art Club, and was a member of Lake Cisco Country Club.  She taught Sunday School at First Christian, Calvary Baptist and Word of Life Church.  Her work alongside her husband James at the studio included oil painting photos, framing, matting and photo finishing. She most recently served on the Cisco Food Pantry Board as secretary since 2004.

Her retirement entertainment was flowers, plants, birds (especially humming birds), being outside enjoying YAH's creations, and worshiping and communing with her Lord and Savior Yeshua. Ilene loved her family, children, grands and great-grands with her whole heart.

Ilene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James and grandchild Billy Harbin.

She is survived by son Gary Michael Cotton and wife Nancy of Abilene and daughter Cheryl Lynne Cotton of Cisco; grandchildren Bradley Michael Cotton of Moore, Oklahoma, Valerie Harbin of Merkel, Aaron Housh and wife Stephanie of Salem, Virginia, Seth Housh of Fort Payne, Alabama, Farah Housh of Fort Mills, South Carolina, Erica Faith and husband Joey Bowles of Joshua, and  Rylee Johnson and husband Malcolm of Clyde; great-grandchildren Nikki and Patrick Mason, Shaedyn, Christian and James Lucas Housh, Jocelyn Housh, Azylee, Cash, Kennadee and Credence Johnson, Scarlett Grace Jepsky, Remington Davis, and Noah and Holden Bowles. She is also survived by dear friend Yvonne McFadin-Hitt.

Visitation will be 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Saturday, February 18, 2023 at First Christian Church, 303 W 8th Street in Cisco.  Services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 18, 2023 at First Christian Church in Cisco, with Sean King officiating.  Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery.

Donations in Ilene's name are suggested to the Blessing Box - Prosperity Bank 418 Conrad Hilton Cisco, Texas 76437.

Online condolences may be shared at www.kimbroughjacobsfh.com

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